<p>“I’m a bit confused because looking at Dartmouth’s transfer policy (on the history department website), it states that only classes from few certain schools will be approved for transfer credit.”</p>
<p>Probably, these are institutions where the HISTORY department will guarantee transfer credit for HISTORY coursework. Whether you can get transfer credit for coursework in other departments, or “elective” credit for other history courses is another thing entirely. The decisions may be made on a case-by-case basis. Keep your old exams, papers, problem sets, course syllabi, etc. in case you need to petition for credit.</p>
<p>It is normal for colleges/universities to admit you first, and later determine which previous coursework is eligible for transfer credit. Most transfer applicants find out that not all of their courses transfer for credit directly applicable to the new degree program - essentially they “lose” some credits.</p>
<p>There are organizations that help colleges/universities determine course equivalency. Some have public access, such as ARTSYS which includes courses from all of the public and some of the private institutions in Maryland: [ARTSYS</a> Select ‘Transfer From’ & ‘Transfer To’ Institution](<a href=“http://www.acaff.usmh.usmd.edu/artweb/chgri.cgi]ARTSYS”>ARTSYS Select 'Transfer From' & 'Transfer To' Institution) Other organizations require membership, which means that ordinary folks like us can’t find out if X at Y university is equal to Z at W college.</p>
<p>Basically, you won’t know until you are already in whether or not your old credits transfer UNLESS you have attended a program that has a formal written articulation or guaranteed transfer agreement. If anyone tells you that X will transfer as Y while you are still in your application process, get it in writing.</p>