Transfer Evaluation—Frequently Asked Questions

Question #1: Why don't any of my transfer credits count?
There is a difference between course transferability and course equivalency. First find out if the credit is truly not counting—it could be because the class is not within the numbering system, the class is concurrent enrollment (see Question 3), or the school is not accredited. If the coursework has been accepted for credit but has not been given equivalency, the student will want to talk to a transfer evaluator.

Question #2: Why don't my AP credits show up even though they were on my college transfer transcript?
AP scores must be sent directly to BYU by the student's high school, AP testing center, or the student. We cannot take the scores from another college's transcript.

Question #3: Can I repeat a BYU class at another school?
No.

Question #4: Can I repeat a class from another school at BYU?
It depends on the department. The student must take a course description to the department, get an equivalency memo signed by the department chair, and send the memo to the Records Office. Upon completion of the BYU course, the transfer course will be marked as repeated. The repeat only affects the total GPA.

Question #5: Can I take religion classes at an institute and have them count here at BYU?
Religion classes from institute can receive credit towards graduation if they are taken for a grade (C- or better). They will not fill BYU religion hours—only graduation hours. They can be used to fill subject requirements, i.e. A Book of Mormon class taken at institute will fill a Book of Mormon requirement at BYU, but again, it will not satisfy religion hours at BYU.

Question #6: Does BYU accept classes from other universities or colleges?
Yes, if the college is accredited by the right association. Also, transfer classes must have received a grade of C- or better. D's receive credit and are calculated into the GPA but will not receive course equivalency. E's do not receive credit but are calculated in the GPA.

Question #7: I took a class at another school and received a bad grade. The class doesn't fill anything at BYU. Do I have to turn in that grade, or can I have that grade removed from my records at BYU?
All secondary transcripts must be sent. It is part of the full disclosure statement the student signs. Failure to report all classes could result in a loss of BYU credit. We cannot change another school's transcript.

Question #8: I took a class and then repeated it, but the second time, I got a bad grade. Can I count the first grade only?
No. BYU accepts the most recent grade, not the best grade.

Question #9: Does BYU reduce or discount grades from other schools?
No. We do convert quarter hours to semester hours, so the student will not receive as many credits from a quarter school. The GPA should still stay the same.

Question #10: How do I transfer credit to BYU?
Have an official transcript sent to
BYU Admissions Office
A-41 ASB
Provo UT 84602

Question #11: How long will it take once I have my transcript sent?
Depending how busy admissions is, it could take 2–3 weeks.

Question #12: Does BYU accept credit from Southern Virginia University?
Courses are accepted on a class-by-class basis according to a list that our transfer evaluators have. BYU does not recognize associate degrees from this school.

Question #13: I received an associate degree at another school. Why aren't my general education courses completed?
Make sure it is a valid associate degree, not an applied degree. Make sure the degree is posted. Schools do not automatically send updated transcripts. Associate degrees will fill all GEs except American Heritage (unless it is from a consortium school), Advanced Written and Oral Communication, and Languages of Learning (Advanced Math or Language), and BYU Religion Hours. An applied degree will not fill GEs.

Question #14: Where can I get course descriptions from other schools?
You may contact the other school via the Internet or phone; access College Source, a CD set available in Career Counseling in the Wilkinson Center; or obtain a catalog from the school.

Question #15: I want to come to BYU and I need to know how my transfer work fills requirements at BYU.
If the student has never been admitted to BYU, he or she needs to speak to Admissions Counseling. If he or she is a former daytime student, we can help him or her. (Previous students with old credit may need to be reactivated and edited, which will take some time.)

Question #16: I have military credit. Does it fill anything?
Please contact the Transfer Evaluation Office at (801) 422-2507 to see what credits can transfer.