Hi all! I applied to Cornell University for the Fall of 2021 and was offered the Transfer Option (TO). There is a helpful thread from the Class of 2020 (link posted below), but I want to start a fresh discussion with this year’s class.
Personally, I plan on pursuing this option; I will likely attend a UC for my freshman year. What were you guys thinking? Please feel free to pose any questions, comments, and/or concerns as we all go through this whole process. Go Big Red!
I also received this option, for HumEc HBHS. As of right now, I’m definitely planning on pursuing it as well - the program is just too phenomenal to pass up! I’m planning on going to Northeastern but am worried about potential difficulties with course selections to fit Cornell’s requirements. Also the whole ethical dilemma of knowing I’m not planning to actually stay at NU is a little worrying too - how to bring it up to advisors, friends, etc. Overall, though, I’m excited for this tremendous opportunity!
@43563468 I’m considerably worried about meeting the course/GPA requirements as well. I forgot to mention, I received the TO for HumEc HBHS too!
I’m glad you brought up the awkward situation of using another school as, basically, a “stepping stone”. There were some current freshmen on the 2020 thread who commented on dealing with the “ethical dilemma”, and they seemed to endure it just fine; plus, I think most of us are willing to do anything to get to Cornell. A lot of what they did involved keeping their TO under wraps and, depending on current relationships, decided whether or not to open up to others. With all this in mind, I feel (hope) that we can avoid any unwarranted stress
@43563468 Hello, I am in the same exact situation as you. As of now Im planning to go to Northeastern for freshman year but Im still unsure about completing course requirements and how difficult the transition will be to Cornellnext year.
Hey, I also got the offer for CALS. Since I’m going to pursue a Bio major I have to get a 3.5 GPA rather than the 3.0. Does it matter which college I go to for the first year as long as I get that 3.5 because it may be “easier” at some colleges than others. Also, how is the fin aid? Is it the same as it would be if I was accepted regular decision?
Opinions on attending a community college to get the requirements for Cornell admit? I get free tuition at my CC as I’m in the top 10% of my HS class and I’m currently attending full time as a bridge student and like it. Anyone with experience doing a CC then going to cornell… did you find that the level of courses was shockingly different and made your time at Cornell difficult? Do you feel it was the right choice?
Hey @smcub2021, from what I’ve read on both CC and info from Cornell, it appears that they really don’t care where you go as long as you meet the GPA/course requirements and display continued interest in your major. If anything, going to a school where it’s easier to meet the minimum GPA would probably make the transfer run more smoothly, at least I assume. On previous threads there are many who decided to go to a community college then transfer in order to maintain a strong GPA and save money. Still, many have suggested to choose a college that you’ll be happy to stay at for 4 years in case things don’t work out (fingers crossed).
People on other threads have also said that the financial aid is pretty much the same/close to what they were given/predicted in the beginning. It appears to be the consensus that since Cornell is need-based, our financial aid won’t be any less than if we were freshmen.
@littlehorn3 From what I remember a good amount of people on the 2020 thread were interested in attending a CC then going to Cornell (maybe they can give you some insight), but there weren’t really any current updates on what you’re asking about. Definitely good questions, hopefully someone comes around!
Even though it’s a transfer “option”, is it definitely guaranteed as long as we take the required courses and kepp above a 3.3/3.5? I’ve read the 2020 thread and I’m sure this question has been answered pretty exhaustively, but it looks like that group hasn’t gotten their official decisions back yet. I just don’t want to get too invested in the idea of attending Cornell if there’s still uncertainty about admission.
@43563468 I have my doubts too. I don’t really know how to get a straight answer other than wait for this year’s results. I’m just using the uncertainty as motivation to make sure I meet the requirements my first year and eliminate any room for error/inadequacy.
Hi, ,my son was also offered TO for CALS (Env sci & sustainability). I did a brief check at our local CC & it would be impossible for him to get the Chem or Bio w/labs as a first year (or first sem at least, so he couldn’t get 2 sems in) due to prereqs of taking an Intro Chem or Intro Bio first. So, that option is not going to work for him. I think he’ll go to his 2nd choice & decide as that unfolds whether to transfer or not.
Hi! I got a TO for CALS for biology. Most likely attending UC Davis for my first year. If anyone has experience or opinions on transferring from a UC I’d love to hear about them. Are course requirements gonna be difficult to fulfill?
I’m a bit worried about how much weight they put on second semester senior year grades. The senioritis kicked in badly for me and I might end the year with 2 C’s.
@forest2021 What (in general) are the requirements for CALS? I plan to transfer into HumEc for HBHS, and I need both bio & chem labs (8 credits each). Kinda smilar to you, I’ll probably spend my first year at UC San Diego, and given what I’ve been able to see from freshmen schedules, I’m really worried about being able to meet those. Definitely a large concern considering I’m a science major
