Transfer Students FAQ
My previous university ran on a semester calendar and RIT runs on a quarter calendar. How are semester hours converted to quarter hours when awarding transfer credit?
The conversion of semester to quarter hours is based on a two to three ratio. Students enrolled at a semester calendar school attend two 15 week semesters during a typical 30 week academic calendar. At a quarter calendar school, students attend the same number of weeks over three 10 week quarters during that same 30 weeks. Therefore, two semester hour classes are equivalent to three quarter hour classes at RIT.
I took a four credit course at my previous university, but the equivalent RIT course is also four credits. Do I lose those other two credits?
We make every effort to apply that credit differential to other required courses. For example, two four-credit courses at your previous university may give you credit for three four-credit courses at RIT.
Will the GPA from my previous university appear on my RIT transcript?
No. We do not record GPA information from other universities.
My previous university gave Pass/Fail and Credit/No Credit grades. Will RIT accept courses with these grades?
If the other university's academic policy specifies that Pass or Credit is equivalent to the letter grade of C or above, we will review the course for possible transfer credit.
I received a C- in some courses at my other school. Will I be able to transfer these courses?
Grades of C- may be considered for undergraduate transfer credit. It will be evaluated by your academic department at the time of application.
I have completed my associate's degree, will my credits transfer?
While completion of an AS degree does not guarantee full transfer credit, we work hard to maximize credit awarded. Completion of a comparable degree program will often allow for third year standing. Transfer credit is awarded on a course by course basis based on its relevance to the program for which you have applied. A transfer credit evaluation is completed as part of the application process.
Can I apply as an undecided student?
If you have over a year (30 semester hours) of coursework completed you need to select a major on your application for admission.
Do I need to submit a portfolio with my application?
A portfolio is required for majors in some departments. Guidelines can be found at:
http://cias.rit.edu/prospective-students/portfolio-guide/
Is housing guaranteed for transfer students?
No, it is assigned based on the date of your admission deposit. We recommend applying early and sending in your deposit early to ensure that housing will be available. However our Housing Operations Office does an excellent job assisting student with housing accommodations on and off campus.
My GPA increased to a 3.3 after the spring semester (for fall entry-deadline 4/1) can I now be considered for the trustee scholarship?
The evaluation for scholarships is based on coursework completed before the scholarship deadline.
At my previous university, I received credit for a course through Credit by Examination . Can I get transfer credit for this course at RIT?
It depends. If credit was received through standardized exams, such as AP, CLEP, etc. you will need to send us an official score report and credit will be re-evaluated by RIT. Often these exams will generate a similar credit award to what your previous university awarded. Courses which appear as Credit by Exam on your transcript that are for non-standardized exams (e.g., exams created by your university) are not eligible for credit. The reason for this is that every school has different academic standards. We have no way of knowing what material your former school used to award credit.
How long will it take to hear of my admission decision?
After we receive your completed application, the process typically takes 4-6 weeks (an admission evaluation is completed as well as a transfer credit evaluation).