Choosing Courses and Registration

Students transferring into the College of Arts and Sciences from outside the University of Pennsylvania should first consult the Office of Admissions, with particular attention to information for transfer students. Any questions concerning class standing should be directed to the Office of Admissions. Questions concerning the curriculum should be addressed to an academic advisor in the College Office. Note that at least half of the overall course units required for the BA degree, as well as at least half of the course units required for the major, must be completed at Penn.

If not yet completed, students should plan to fulfill the Language Requirement as soon as possible. Language department websites provide information about written placement exams offered in September for students who plan to continue with a previously studied language and/or receive credit for language courses taken at their previous institution. They also offer information for students just beginning college-level language study, and for students eligible for a language requirement substitution.

A representative of the appropriate Penn department will need to review external courses before transfer credits will be awarded. To request transfer credit for a College course through a Penn department, login to XCAT (External Course Approval Tool) and submit all course syllabi and other supporting materials from the previous institution.

Registration at Penn occurs at two distinct times: Advance Registration and the Course Selection Period. Each period functions differently. Read more >>