[Requesting Experience Based Responses] Science Credit Hours Successful Transfer

Colleges and Universities A-Z Vanderbilt University
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Hello everyone,

I have a few questions regarding Vandy’s credit transfer policy. A lot of these are probably best answered by the university but I wanted to hear from individuals who might have been through this situation. I recently got accepted to Vandy and am trying to see which of my credits I want to apply to have transferred within the 60 credit limit.

My first idea is to ensure all the science/math courses I’ve taken get transferred. For example, Gen Bio I/II, Gen Chem I/II, Physics I/II, Calc I/II. Each one of these had either a lab (science) or discussion (math). I checked Vandy’s course catalog, and labs and lecture are generally separate with separate grades. At my university lab was NOT separate. To make this clear, for example, Vandy might have Bio I as 3 credits with a separate Bio I lab as 1 credit. My university has Bio I at 4 credits with only one grade (in contrast to Vandy). Every one of my science classes was like this… in your experience will I be covered on both ends or am I in trouble?

Additionally, I’m taking Ochem I and II over the summer with lab… and ironically lab is a separate grade in these courses (IE Ochem I 3 credits Ochem I lab 1 credit and so on). Will this stark contrast come back to bite me? And I actually haven’t even asked Vandy if I should/can take Ochem over here… in your experience, is Vandy generally cool with letting students take courses like Ochem elsewhere?

Lastly, a more general question I guess just regarding credit transfer: how strict is Vandy in general with credit transfer?

Thanks for reading and for your help!

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If you have a 4-credit Bio course with laboratory, Vandy will give credit for the course and the lab. You may be asked to provide a syllabus or course description. The grades are irrelevant; your grades will not transfer anyway.

All your credits should transfer assuming if they came from an accredited 4-year university. The grey area is lesser known U’s, two-year colleges, community colleges etc. For orgo specifically, the head of the chemistry department prefers schools that have been deemed acceptable by the American Chemical Society. If your school isn’t listed, you again may be asked for a syllabus so the department head can make a determination. Credit from a community college is unlikely to be accepted.

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@pancaked thanks a bunch for your help. I attend a 4 year institution it’s just that the quality/rigor of it is probably concerning. My university IS ACS approved so that is helpful. Thanks for everything (:

I seriously appreciate the help!!