Transfer Students (from another institution to the College)

Class Standing and the Curriculum

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.

Transferring Credit

Initially, the Office of Transfer Credit (215.898.6080 or xfer@admissions.upenn.edu) will estimate the number of transfer credits a student is likely to receive. However, only some of these credits will be posted automatically. In most cases, a representative of the appropriate Penn department will need to review the course in question (including the syllabus) before transfer credit 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.

Choosing Courses

Transfer students will need to select their fall courses without knowing precisely what credit will be awarded from their previous institution. Students should speak with their assigned advisor or another advisor in the College Office to determine how to select appropriate courses

Sophomores and Juniors

Language Requirement: 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 exemption from the Language Requirement.

College Requirements: The Academic Planning Worksheet on Penn InTouch helps students plan their academic program and track their progress toward fulfilling College Requirements. As transfer credits are approved, an academic advisor will help determine which approved courses fulfill College Requirements and what remains to be taken. ("Equivalent Credit" may be used in the same way as any course taken at Penn.) Many departments award “Generic Credit” which counts toward the degree but does not automatically fulfill a requirement. Pre-major and/or major advisors will help determine how these credits apply. Transfer students must take half of their total courses, and those in the major, at Penn.

Juniors

Major: Juniors should carefully read about any prospective majors on the department’s website. They should also speak with the undergraduate major advisor or coordinator as soon as possible in the fall. Courses taken in the major should cover material which is new to the student and for which the prerequisites have been taken.

Writing Requirement: Critical Writing Program’s website will help students determine how to fulfill the Writing Requirement and if credit from a previous institution is likely to be applicable.

Study Abroad: Junior transfer students are not eligible for semester study abroad programs.

Sophomores

Major: There are two semesters before the major must be declared. Exploration should be the top priority. Students should browse the websites of prospective major departments for more detailed information of requirements and prerequisites.

Study Abroad: Students who plan to study abroad in their junior year should investigate the language prerequisites for such programs.