College students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have a problem transferring credits. "New Web Site Shows What College Credits Will Transfer in PA," by Bill Schackner of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reveals a solution.

Not all credits are accepted between Pennsylvania's numerous institutions of higher education. As a result, students are forced to take the same course over again. One way around this is through CLEP or DANTES tests. But what happens when those options aren't available? Students drop out, reducing the overall graduation rate.

In an effort to correct this, Pennsylvania law makers created a law in 2006, and now there is a Web site, the Pennsylvania Transfer and Articulation Center (PA TRAC). Thirty-two colleges and universities - including the mandatory 14 community colleges and 14 state-owned universities - participate. The state is hopeful that other schools will follow Lincoln University, Seton Hill University, St. Francis University, and Lackawanna College as voluntary participants. By the fall of 2008, 1,100 courses with transferrable credits will be posted on the site.

Although many Pennsylvania colleges and universities have transfer agreements with each other, participation in PA TRAC will greatly increase students' options and, in turn, help increase the state's college graduation rate.