Ok, so I will be a college freshman this up coming fall. After months of consideration, I have decided that I may look at transferring to another school after my first year. I have been having strong feelings that the school that I will be attending will not be the place for me, ever since I received my acceptance letter. I know that the college I am going to is a great fit for many, but it just isn’t for me. I didn’t do so well in high school, I had a cumulative gpa of 3.47 and my ACT was a 27. The schools that I am considering transferring to would have been beyond a reach for me in high school. The 4 major schools that I am looking at are NYU, UCLA, Columbia, and Stanford. I may also consider Wesleyan and Berkeley. I want to major in film, and that is partially why I am transferrin. The schools that I listed above are renown for their film schools, and the alumni that went there. (but I am not considering USC for a few reasons) I would like some advice on how to greaten my chances of getting into one of these schools. The college that I will be attending this year is known for grade deflation, and that it worrying, for I hope to receive an a 3.8 or higher in my freshman year. Is there any advice that you guys can give me on that? Also what would be a good way to create a resume or extracurriculars that will make me stand out. I will be going to school in Boston if that helps.
Thank you.
I would refer you to film schools in NYC or Cali rather than these big name low chance schools. Unless you have another motive other than film
I understand what you mean, the schools above are in NYC and California. That is why I chose them. I have chosen the schools above, 2 are extreme reaches and the other 2 are also reaches, but lower. I have chosen these schools, because I don’t want to settle, that is what I did during my initial application process.
California UC’s only accept Junior level transfers with 60 semester units/90 quarter units. Test scores are not considered and priority is given to in-state CCC applicants, UC transfer applicants and CSU transfer applicants. You also need to check to make sure your classes are UC transferable since it seems you are OOS.
Thank you, I didn’t know that. I will definitely put that into consideration.
Do you know if it is similar for USC
Why do you say you “settled”? Did you have to turn down a “better” institution because of lack of money?
It isn’t too late to take a Gap Year, try to raise your ACT score, and apply to a different list of places. Consider that option - especially if you need merit-based aid. You will get better merit-aid as a freshman applicant than as a transfer.
I feel like I had to settle. because I didn’t work hard enough in HS to have more options. The school that I got into was like my 4th choice.
Not sure I have enough info to help. Where were you admitted?
If you are enrolled at a UC, stay there and apply to transfer to another UC as a JR.
If you are at a CSU, i’d suggest you back out of your registration and attend a local CC, do your best then transfer as a Jr.
Transferring into a top school is very difficult. Stanford accepts just a few (like 30) each year, Columbia also admits few Jr level. UCLA and NYU offer much better chances but, you will need a 3.8 to be competitive. That’s a tall order at the college level. USC also accepts quite a few transfers (and has an outstanding program) - but for some reason they are beneath you.
You may be overestimating your ability to do that well. The odds aren’t with you… I hope you prove me wrong.
Good luck.
I’m going to BU. And I’ve decided that the only two schools that I may consider transferring to are NYU and Wesleyan. I won’t be considering the other schools, for I would like to transfer as a rising sophomore. I don’ imagine that transferring after my Sophomore year would be very beneficial. NYU and Wesleyan were my top choices when I went through the application process, and I got into neither of them, so I am trying again.
Make immediate connections with professors at BU so that you have options for strong letters of recommendation. Additionally, although BU isn’t the school for you, get involved on campus in order to boost your resume. Join clubs that are aligned with your personal beliefs, seek leadership positions, or get an on-campus job. Schools like NYU and Wesleyan are looking for students who offer unique contributions to the campus rather than someone who is just going to study. However, with that being said, focus on earning a strong GPA and nail the application essays.