FAQs about your preliminary evaluation

Transcripts represent your academic record of courses, credits, and grades earned from a prior institution. University of Phoenix will use your transcripts to evaluate past course work for transfer credit. Unofficial transcripts, or copies of your transcripts, can be used for the preliminary evaluation. During the admission process, we will obtain your official transcripts to officially evaluate your transfer credits. University of Phoenix requests transcripts for students at no cost whenever possible.

University of Phoenix can perform a preliminary evaluation using your unofficial transcripts from each institution attended, to give you an estimate of how your transfer credits may apply to your selected program. For the official evaluation, you will need to complete the admissions application, provide information about all institutions you’ve attended, and where applicable sign the transfer request form or request the official transcripts to be sent directly to University of Phoenix from your prior institution. Once we’ve received all forms and transcripts are received and officially evaluated, you’ll know for sure which transfer credits will apply. 

To obtain a copy of your unofficial transcripts, you will need to contact each college or university you previously attended. Colleges typically offer a way to request your transcripts online through their portal, or through a provider like National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment. If you're unsure how to request your unofficial transcripts, contact the Registrar's Office of your previous college or university for assistance. 

Unofficial transcripts vary in format. If you have records of your completed coursework and you’re unsure if the format is acceptable for review, you can attach the records to the preliminary evaluation request, and we’ll review to see what can be included in your preliminary evaluation.

Be sure to include transcripts from all prior colleges or universities you’ve attended when requesting a preliminary evaluation to get the most complete perspective on how your credits may apply.

Official transcripts are official, sealed transcripts delivered directly from the issuing college or university to the requested recipient. Unofficial transcripts are copies of transcripts, or transcripts that are unsealed and not delivered directly to a recipient. Often colleges allow you to request either official or unofficial transcripts, depending on your needs for the documents. 

For the preliminary evaluation of transfer credits through this app, we do not need official transcripts. You can use transcripts you have on hand, or you can request unofficial transcripts or order official transcripts if no other option is available. Unofficial transcripts are typically lower cost or even free depending on the institution.

If you've completed a few courses and prefer to enter them individually instead of getting your transcript, use this option.

Different degree programs have different credit requirements. This could potentially impact your preliminary evaluation results. Submitting additional preliminary evaluations can provide a point of comparison and allow you to make the most informed decision. 

It’s possible you’ve realized there were additional transcripts you didn’t include in the original preliminary evaluation request. An updated preliminary evaluation could be completed for the same program to include any transcripts that weren’t included originally.

University of Phoenix awards credits based on a semester calendar system. Eligible credits completed at other colleges on a semester calendar system will be able to transfer with no conversion required. Some colleges award credits based on a quarter calendar system and these credits would be converted to semester credits when reviewed for transfer. 

The quarter to semester conversion formula is to multiply by 2 and divide by 3.

Example: 4.00 quarter credits x 2/3 = 2.67 semester credits

Yes, some programs have a larger elective category which can provide more flexibility for transfer credits to apply. Depending on your priority, maximizing your credits or content of the degree, some programs may be better options than others.

Sometimes prior coursework that does not satisfy our acceptable transfer credit policy can be evaluated through prior learning assessment (PLA). Once admitted, these credits, or other work and life experience, can be submitted to the PLA team for further consideration. 

Credit totals may differ based on calendar system (quarter/semester) or certain coursework that is not transferable due to being completed with an unacceptable grade (typically, lower than C-) or coursework that is non-degree or below college level (non-degree/developmental/remedial). Certain colleges and programs also may not be transferable for other reasons, including unsatisfactory accreditation. The preliminary evaluation notes section may include additional information to clarify such situations.

At University of Phoenix, we have two pathways established to support student success. The anticipated track noted on the preliminary evaluation is based on the number of prior eligible credits a student may transfer in and whether a student has completed a degree previously at a different college. Typically, Track A is anticipated for students with more college experience and Track B is anticipated for students with less college experience. Track B is designed to include a few specific general education courses focused on foundational learning.

Once you have reviewed your preliminary evaluations for the programs you're interested in through this app, head over to phoenix.edu to learn more about the University and check out our application requirements. If you decide to apply, you will need to complete the admissions application, provide information about all institutions you’ve attended, and where applicable sign the transfer request form or request the official transcripts to be sent directly to University of Phoenix from your prior institution. Once we’ve received all forms and transcripts and those submissions have been officially evaluated, you’ll know for sure which transfer credits will apply.