Class level (e.g., freshman, sophomore, etc.) and estimated graduation dates are determined by the Office of Academic Affairs. Students are assessed in two categories, and the final determination is based on the lower of the two. (Required credits per class level/Academic Regulations.)

• Academic Level: Transfer credits and placement exams
• Musical Level: Faculty decision based on audition

The availability of placement exams and transfer credit evaluations does not guarantee graduation in fewer than four years. Student Affairs and the Registrar’s Office cannot provide a final class level determination until after placement exams are completed during Orientation (August for Fall, January for Spring). While we offer an estimated transfer credit evaluation based on transcripts submitted with the application, an official class level decision will not be made until Orientation.

Undergraduate students can receive transfer credit for courses in the Humanities and Sciences (HMS) area, provided the student received a grade of C or better and the course is ruled an appropriate substitute for a SFCM course, as determined by the Office of Academic Affairs.

Credit from completed Associate's (A.A.) degrees can be applied to the SFCM undergraduate credit load, pending approval by the Office of Academic Affairs.

SFCM does not grant transfer credit for music-related classes. However, the student’s performance during academic placement exams may exempt them from some required coursework. Unlike first-time, non-transfer students, credits from that exempted coursework will be applied towards the credit total/degree requirements for a transfer student’s program. SFCM may recommend a student complete summer coursework in Humanities at an outside institution.

SFCM grants credit for certain AP and IB exams. AP scores must be 4 or 5 for College Writing and 3 or better for other HMS requirements (specific degree requirements). AP English, including AP English Language Composition and AP English Literature Composition, can substitute for HMS 110-111 College Writing. Passing one of these with a 4 or 5 will substitute for HMS 110; passing both will substitute for HMS 110 and 111. IB scores of 5 or higher will also be accepted, according to the policies described above. AP and IB scores in music-related subjects are not accepted as transfer credits. In order to receive credit, an official AP and IB score report, as well as a final official transcript, must be sent to SFCM by July 1.