Would I be considered a transfer applicant if I were to apply to a second bachelors degree program? Or is it only non-matriculated credits that are counted toward the new degree. I graduated in 2010 with a BMus degree, and now, some time later, continuing to find that it’d have helped to have either quit and transferred to start a BA.
No, you aren’t a transfer. Can you say more about why you want to do a BA? what subject? often it is not the path forward at this stage.
Former Second Bachelor Candidate here.
You need to communicate directly with the colleges and universities on your list, and ask them whether they admit students in your situation. If you are headed into a second bachelor degree program, then yes it is almost certain that you would need to complete the transfer applications as it is unlikely that a separate application exists for second bachelor candidates.
Your status on admission will also depend on the institution. Back in the last century, I was classified as a Senior Transfer which meant that although I might need umpteen classes to complete a second bachelor degree, all of my previous credits gave me senior status for class selection, which enabled me to get the courses (and the specific sections) that I wanted. I did not finish that second bachelor degree although I have had a number of friends who chose to do so. I collected enough credits to apply to grad school in the new field of study, and went off to do that instead.
Which credits transfer, and as what, will depend on the individual college or university. So again, that is something to discuss with each place on your potential application list.
And as @collegemom3717 has pointed out, you should consider whether a second bachelor degree is even in order. What is your goal? Which (if any) undergrad classes are needed in order to get there? Can you do this on the cheap at a community college or must you pursue it at a four-year institution? What about the money? The only federal aid for second bachelor degrees is federal student loans. If you already used the maximum allowed for your first degree, there won’t be any loan money available.