<p>Hi, I am a freshman and was thinking about applying for transfer, due to specific and personal reasons. I read somewhere that Columbia prefers sophomores than juniors for transfers. Is it true?</p>
<p>I think transfer slots are for vacancies. If 5 junior spots open up and 15 sophomore slots open up, they fill those. If 15 junior spots open up and 5 soph spots open up the next year, they fill those.</p>
<p>I’m by no means an expert, but coming in as a junior puts you at an extreme disadvantage for completing the Core and a major/concentration within two years. I have a sophomore in my LitHum class right now. I’ve never heard of a junior in one.</p>
<p>The problem in my case is that my high school record is really bad, so I was considering applying for junior year, so that my college record plays a greater role…</p>
<p>If your high school record is “really bad,” you probably do not have a realistic shot. But, hey, go for it anyway and see what happens! DO have a realistic back up plan, however, if indeed you are intent upon a transfer.</p>