Attending a Non-Partner College
If you already have your post-Verto plans all figured out, congratulations!
The icing on the cake?
Even if you are not planning to attend a Verto partner college, our counselors will work with you to navigate the transfer process and fit the Verto Experience into your college plans, so that you can have the academic adventure of a lifetime.
How it Works
Courses offered by Verto’s Academic Provider, the University of New Haven, during the Verto Abroad Experience are designed to fulfill colleges’ general education requirements. This means that it’s very likely that your course credits can count toward the graduation requirements at your college!
If you’re planning to attend a non-partner college, you will need to either work with them to defer your enrollment to that college or apply as a transfer student, as well as look into their credit transfer process. It’s also important to confirm with the non-partner college their policies on scholarship and housing deferment.
Counselors cannot determine course mapping at non-partners. Please work directly with the non-partner college using the templates below.
Find Out About Your Selected College’s Policy on Deferral
You want to A) be sure that they allow deferrals and B) find out the steps you need to take to defer.
This information should be available on their website if you search “Deferral Request,” or you can reach out to their Admissions Office directly. When speaking with your college’s Admissions Office, ask if they allow “gap year” options and if they’ll allow you to earn college credit during a “gap year.”
Some universities will automatically approve your deferral if you follow their steps, but others will require a formal committee to review. Make sure you understand the process clearly. If they won’t approve a deferral, don’t forget that you’re also able to reapply as a transfer student with an incredible academic and life experience under your belt!
Map Out Your Credits
Once you’ve confirmed that you are able to defer your enrollment, and know the steps for doing so, your next step is to find out if the college will accept the credits from your time abroad with Verto and our Academic Provider.
Visit your non-partner college website and search for “transfer equivalency” or “transferring credit” to learn about their policy and protocol.
Do they have a transfer equivalency tool? If so: Choose “Search by Transfer Institution." Search for our Academic Provider and the grantor of your official transcript: Connecticut— the University of New Haven. You will be able to see a side-by-side comparison of which of Verto's Academic Provider courses will fulfill which of your college’s course requirements.
If they don’t have a tool like this on their website, you can start by reviewing their credit transfer policy information. You may find out that the college is open to credit transfer, but requires that you provide syllabi or other information on the Academic Provider courses you take during your time with Verto. In this case, follow the steps they provide or reach out to a representative.
When you email a representative of your college, feel free to CC your admissions counselor so that they can provide further context to help! You can even use the email template below to get the ball rolling:
Dear [enter name of primary admissions contact, e.g. "Admissions Department" or "Registrars Office"], I am very excited about the possibility of attending your University for my degree [insert scholarship/grant, if applicable]. I wanted to reach out about a study abroad experience to which I have been accepted. I am interested in starting my college career with a [semester or year] in [your location of choice] as a part of Verto Education study abroad experience. I intend to take five courses per semester, which are delivered by the University of New Haven, an institution accredited through the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Verto Education is unique because all courses, credits, and transcripts at Verto locations are delivered by the University of New Haven, and these credits transfer as official credits rather than study abroad or exam credits. Verto’s academic overview website includes the following resources. · Course descriptions and syllabi · Example Course Equivalency Codes · Sample assignments for each course we offer Please see https://vertoeducation.org/academics. Here are my questions. · What is your process for deferring enrollment? · [If I defer enrollment, do I retain the scholarship you have awarded to me?] · Can I earn college credits on a deferral period? · If not, what would the process be like to re-apply as a transfer student after completing my time with Verto? · Can you confirm that these credits will be accepted toward my degree requirements at your university? I’ve also copied my Verto contact, [your admissions counselor], on this email. They can answer any questions about the course descriptions or other information you may need. I look forward to working with you and Verto to map out my college career!If you are already a college student, you can use the following template.
Dear [enter name of primary admissions contact, e.g. "Admissions Department" or "Registrars Office"], I wanted to reach out about a program that I have been accepted into for the [Year-Year i.e. 2022-2023] academic year. I am interested in starting my college career with a [semester or year] in [your location of choice] as a part of Verto Education study abroad experience. I intend to take five courses per semester, which are delivered by the University of New Haven, an institution accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). Verto Education is unique because all courses, credits, and transcripts at Verto locations are delivered by the University of New Haven, and these credits transfer as official credits rather than study abroad or exam credits. Verto’s academic overview website includes the following resources. · Course descriptions and syllabi · Example Course Equivalency Codes · Sample assignments for each course offered · Please see https://vertoeducation.org/academics Here are my questions. · Is it possible for me to attend this program, with courses delivered by the University of New Haven, during a leave of absence? · Does [the university] have a policy for approving “study away” opportunities through domestic institutions, and if so, can you help me get started on seeing if this program can be approved? · Otherwise, I do not see Verto Education currently listed on [school’s] approved study abroad programs list. Is there a process for seeing if this program could be approved by our study abroad office? · Can you point me to the appropriate person who would help ensure that these credits will count toward my degree? I’ve also copied my Verto contact, [your admissions counselor] on this email. They can answer any questions about the course descriptions or other information you may need. I look forward to working with you and Verto to map out my college career! Sincerely, [YOUR NAME]
Here are some answers to common follow-up questions they may have about Verto courses.
Is the Course Technical in Nature?
No, University of New Haven courses are general education courses.
Is the Course Considered Remedial?
No, students are expected to complete the appropriate college preparatory work to attend the University of New Haven college courses.
Is the Course a Physical Education Course?
No, the University of New Haven courses are general education courses designed by faculty, based on approved curriculum, and driven by student learning outcomes.
Is the Credit Awarded on an Official Transcript?
Yes, Verto participants receive a transcript from the Academic Provider, the University of New Haven, located in New Haven, Connecticut.
Is the Credit Issued by an Accredited Institution of Higher Education Learning?
Yes, the University of New Haven is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).
Is the Grade Issued a Letter Grade or Pass/Fail?
Verto students are issued letter grades.
Find Out How to Transfer Credit and Plan Ahead
Although you likely won’t be able to officially transfer the credits until you’ve completed your experience abroad, it can be helpful to check out the process so that you’re aware of anything you may need to do now.
Be sure to check if there are any forms that need to be completed (most likely, there are!). Can you complete any of these forms prior to having an official transcript?
In order to do your due diligence, here are some additional points to look in to:
- Will earning credits potentially impact your financial aid or scholarships at the college or university?
- Is there a limit on how many credits you can earn, before you’re given a different “admissions status” with the school?
- What are the requirements in terms of GPA or course grades, in order to transfer the credit in?
- Are you fully committed to this non-partner school or would you be open to exploring Verto’s partner schools to streamline your transfer? If so, schedule a time here to meet with one of our counselors!
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Although confirming your deferral or transfer application and transfer credits to a non-partner college involves a bit of extra effort, the payoff is huge: You’ll be living out your dreams and traveling the world in no time!
Don’t forget—a year with Verto and our Academic Provider offers way more benefits than a simple transferrable credit offering! In addition to your inspiring and credit-bearing coursework delivered by the University of New Haven, you’ll be gaining cross-cultural experience, mentorship, clarity, confidence, and more.
