A few questions about transfer

Hi guys, college decisions came out and I will be going to a relatively mediocre school. I’m really not happy about it, since I think I could’ve gotten into a much better school if I actually gave my best. I will definitely need to transfer after freshman year. I have a few questions about transferring:

  1. Will the exact same kind of criteria be used for transfer student as high school students? (grades, extra-curricular, SAT/ACT, essay, etc)

  2. If SAT/ACT is used as a criteria for transfer students, can I retake one of these tests during my freshman year at college?

  3. Will they look into my high school grades, or only my freshman year college grade?

  4. Do I still need rec letters from the teachers at the school I will be going to?

  5. If the school that I will be transferring to accepts Common App, can I set up a new Common App account and apply?

  6. Are there ED/EA options for transfer students?

Thanks in advance, and please give me any tips you have for a transfer student!

1 and 3: College record will be the most important, though high school record will be significant if you try to transfer after one year. High school record will be less significant (or not considered at some colleges) if you try to transfer as a junior after two years.

Note: Some schools only accept Junior-Level applicants(60+ semester units/90+ quarter units).

1 & 2) As a transfer student colleges and universities for the most part will not care or ask for your ACT/SAT. These are just tools provided by the College Board to help universities in the decision making processes for high school students. They will focus much more on your completion of pre-requisites and general education. Your GPA will be a HUGE factor. 2nd year students will have an advantage over you because they will have it completed already. They are also less risky.

3 & 4) Depending on what school they may ask for grades or extracurriculars. You’ll most likely not need letters of rec unless you’re trying to get into a program or scholarships at the school. Could you provide more info? From what school would you be transferring from? Will the classes even transfer? If you live in Cali you’ll be behind a lot of the completed 2 year CC kids and 2 year CSU transfers. Probably on par with these INTRA-UC transfers.

  1. Very rarely are there ever ED/EA for transfers.

We need more information. Broad questions result in bland answers.

  1. the general rule of thumb is, the more college completed the less high school matters. 1-60 semester units=High school considered 60+=high school not really considered (junior transfer).

It really depends on the school what counts. Some really count ECs. Some don’t. Usually you’ll want major related ECs and strong essays that really prove why that school and not your current one. Things like prestige are not good reasons.

  1. They might want to know them but it won’t really matter. Do not take them in college they won’t accept it.
  2. Transferring after freshman year means both are considered but college has more weight. Depending on the school you may want to wait to transfer after sophomore year.
  3. Depends on the school. Usually private schools yes, but public schools no.
  4. I’m pretty sure you can.
  5. Never heard of it. The closest thing that’s common is rolling admissions I think.

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate it!

1/2/3/4 :

Hi

Transferring after freshman year is honestly a lot like applying in the first place just with less scholarship in some cases. All of your high school still matters but college will be weighted higher. I also do not think just having a 4.0 freshman college GPA will be enough in all cases so make sure you are still getting involved/volunteering/interning if possible. And definitely get a killer rec FROM YOUR COLLEGE. A lot of people will just go back to high school teachers but if you can show you really made an impact during your time there it will definitely go a long way. Most colleges really want to know why you will fit in and what you will add to their college.

Good luck!