Transfer Information

The best way to ensure your credits will transfer is to speak with an advisor at your transfer college. Only they can verify what courses will be accepted, and they may even advise you on what courses to take while at MCC. Your MCC advisor can help you develop a plan using courses that will likely transfer by comparing the Texas Common Course Numbering System, used by MCC, and the course numbers of your transfer college. Many universities also provide transfer guides to help you select the appropriate courses at MCC.

You can transfer with or without an Associate's Degree. The amount of coursework you should complete at MCC will depend on the course requirements of your transfer school and major. You could save money by completing as much as possible before you transfer.

No and yes.

No — A student may always apply to another college or university, but with too few completed credits, the application will be evaluated alongside freshman applicants. In that case, high school grades and SAT scores carry significant weight. Any completed college credits will still be evaluated for transferability if the student is accepted.

Yes — A true transfer applicant typically needs a minimum number of completed credits at the time of application, ranging from 12 to 60 depending on the school. Transfer status comes with additional considerations not offered to freshman applicants. Most four-year colleges waive SAT requirements for transfer students with more than 30 college credits, and some will not require high school transcripts either. Plan to complete at least 30 college credits (not including developmental coursework) before applying to transfer.

After admission, you may be assigned to an advising department based on your major. Find out who your advisor is.

Most colleges and universities do not require SAT or ACT scores once a student qualifies as a transfer applicant. Some competitive schools may still ask for scores, and students applying with only a few completed credits will more than likely need to submit them. The credit threshold for test score exemption varies by school, typically ranging from 12 to 60 completed hours.

Most four-year colleges require a minimum GPA of 2.0 to be eligible for transfer. Certain colleges and majors will require higher minimums. Each institution — in-state and out-of-state — sets its own admission criteria.

Most four-year institutions require a minimum grade of "C" for a course to transfer. A grade of "D" does not automatically disqualify a student from admission, and the grade itself may transfer — but a strong overall GPA and appropriate coursework are important for a successful transfer. Some schools require no grades lower than a B- in major courses, so check your intended school's requirements carefully.

Apply at the very beginning of your last full semester before your intended transfer. If you plan to start at another college in the fall, begin your application at the start of the spring semester. If you're aiming for a January (spring) start, file your applications by mid-September of the fall semester. Even schools with rolling admissions can fill specific majors early — apply as soon as you're ready.