<p>Hello!
What's the BEST way to transfer to a private school? Transferring from a community college, csu, or a uc? ALL HELP WELCOME :)</p>
<p>My sense from your question is that you’ve been accepted to a UC and also into a CSU, and that you’re thinking now that you would attend for 1 or 2 years and transfer to a selective private university. I’ll assume that in my reply. If it’s not the case then my reply probably doesn’t apply.</p>
<p>Your best chances for a successful transfer is to have taken a rigorous program, done extremely well, and that you project the reasons for the change as “growth” related – perhaps a major that’s not offered at your current college, perhaps a smaller environment that would allow you to better engage in class discussions or independent study in an area of particular interest, etc. In the transfer application you would want to focus on what you can contribute as a transfer student, and not why your current college doesn’t suit you. It’s a fine line.</p>
<p>So your chances are best if you’re transferring from a UC because that’s where you’re most likely to find and be able to take the most rigorous program.</p>
<p>Thank you :), and yes you assumed correctly. Does anyone happen to know if it’s better to transfer from another UC, to say Cal or UCLA, or a community college?</p>
<p>For your first question, from what I know, it depends on the school. For instance, more than half of USC’s transfers are CC students but Stanford seems to prefer 4-year students. You may want to research private universities you’re interested in to learn their CC vs 4-year acceptance. (Personally I wouldn’t recommend a CSU if you can go to a UC. Their financial situation is in the pits right now.) </p>
<p>As for UC-UC vs CC-UC, the concensus is that UC-UC transfers are difficult but not impossible. The great thing about attending a CC is that UCs seem to prefer them and you have a chance to complete a Transfer Alliance Program for UCLA (or possibly Cal, but only select colleges offer it), which is a huge benefit.</p>