Have Additional Questions?
Do you have questions you didn't find here? Please call 781-736-3470 to schedule an appointment to meet with your Class Advisor, or stop by Academic Services in Usdan 130 during drop-in hours, Monday-Friday 1-5 PM, to speak with an advisor.
Transfer Student FAQ
How many transfer credits do I need to be considered a Junior when I enter? A Sophomore?
How do I find out which of the classes from my previous school count toward my major?
I don't agree with the evaluation for my transfer credit. Can I have it re-evaluated?
If I wrote my intended major on my transfer application, does that mean that I am all set for a major?
Can I study abroad and have it count toward my graduation credits?
How many transfer credits do I need to be considered a Junior when I enter? A Sophomore?
Students entering with 56 course credits are considered Juniors, 24 credits are Sophomores and less than 24 credits are given First Year status. The maximum number of credits that will be accepted for transfer is 64.
Why are the transfer credits on my SAGE audit blank and my expected graduation date the same as the incoming First Year Students?
Transfer credits will be entered into the computer around late September. At that time your Sage audit will be updated to show your correct graduation date, the number of transfer credits you have been awarded and as any University credits that you have been given for courses taken at your previous school.
If my previous college gave me credit for my AP or IB scores, do I need to do anything additional to get credit from Brandeis?
Yes, you will need to "declare" your AP or IB credits. Check with the Registrar's Office to be sure that they have an official copy of your scores. If not, they can tell you how to have them sent. While there fill out an AP/IB Declaration Form.
I placed out of the foreign language requirement at my previous school. Does that mean I automatically place out of Brandeis' FL requirement?
No. Students can place out of the FL requirement if they have earned a 4 or 5 on an appropriate AP test, by a score of 620 or more on the appropriate SAT II test, or by a satisfacatory score on a foreign language placement test administered on campus in the fall. If you completed a 3rd semester-level (or higher) foreign language class at your previous college, speak with Irene Widugiris in the Registrar's Office for information about whether this will satisfy the Brandeis FL requirement.
How do I find out which of the classes from my previous school count toward my major?
You should make an appointment to meet with the Undergraduate Advising Head of your major department. Before going, fill out a Major-Minor Transfer Credit Form listing classes you think might be accepted and bring it with you to the meeting, along with syllabi from the classes.
I don't agree with the evaluation for my transfer credit. Can I have it re-evaluated?
Yes, Irene Widugiris will be very happy to re-evaluate your transcripts. Send her an e-mail at widugiris@brandeis.edu telling her your specific concerns and ask to set up a meeting. It is extremely helpful if you bring course descriptions and syllabi for the courses in question when you meet with her.
If I wrote my intended major on my transfer application, does that mean that I am all set for a major?
No, you must officially declare your major by filling out a Major Declaration Form, found in the Academic Services Office, and meeting the Undergraduate Advising Head for that major. It is always appreciated if you set up an appointment with the UAH rather than simply "dropping in".
Can I study abroad and have it count toward my graduation credits?
That depends. Transfer students are required to spend a minimum of 4 fall/spring semesters and take a minimum of 16 classes on the Brandeis campus. If you have transferred in with junior status and plan to graduate in two years you would not be able to study abroad. If you plan to spend more than 4 semesters completing your Brandeis degree then it is possible to study abroad for graduation credit. Meet with an advisor in the Study Abroad Office for more information about study abroad programs. Remember, summer classes do not contribute to the 4 semester, 16 class requirement.