<p>So I'm in my third week of college at my back up-turned first choice university. It's not that I hate going here, it's just that I regret not applying to more competitive schools. How do you know if transferring is really a good decision? A part of me feels very unfulfilled, but another part is just so worried about the actual process of transferring. </p>
<p>I've just written down everything I actually have to do to transfer, and it's really overwhelming and nerve wracking. I'm so worried about having to take the SAT II's for the first time (esp. math), getting to know professors ESPECIALLY, trying to figure out how to get volunteer work in without a car to get around town, and not being able to pay for any "dream school" I might get into. </p>
<p>My math scores were so low on the SAT that I'm worried that that will automatically disqualify me, despite getting a 760 on the CR portion. </p>
<p>But then I'm also worried about the thought of not trying at all and being stuck here without ever knowing what could have happened. I didn't apply to any real reach schools in HS because the counselor advised against it and told me I had a 3.4 GPA (which actually turned out to be a 3.75 after I checked with the registrar AFTER I had already applied to colleges) </p>
<p>I'm just really unsure about anything, any advice?</p>
<p>If you are only in your third week of college, consider going to a jc after your first quarter/semester at your college. </p>
<p>You will have less than 60 units, and can still be considered a transfer student. </p>
<p>If you are going to transfer in two years and want to transfer to a UC, they will not look at your SAT scores, nor do you need to take them over again. </p>
<p>Explore your options, and don't settle for anything you don't want.</p>
<p>The process of transferring is daunting, so hang in there. My advice would be to just relax and try to make the most of your school right now, meet people and take advantage of all the campus activities. Also go to office hours and participate in class discussions to try to get to know your profs and TAs in case you later want to ask them for LORs. </p>
<p>Don't worry about making a decision about applying for transfers until at least after Thanksgiving break. That still gives you time to ask for LORs before or right after Christmas break and you can work on essays for applications during the break when you won't have school work to do.</p>
<p>I completely second what Entomom just said. If you can, take some time during Winter break to sit down and really put some serious thought and time into your essays. I would try to get everything out of the way, if you're planning on transferring, before second semester begins. I made the mistake last year of waiting until second semester to get started on several of things and the result was more work than I could have ever imagined. Essays are so important in the transfer process so spend as much time on them as you possibly can!</p>
<p>Agree with everything the above posters have said. Couple more thoughts: lopsided SATs are not so bad, depending on your planned major. So, if you're not planning on a science/quant major, your really high CR may outweigh a low math.</p>
<p>Do you have any transfer schools in mind which don't require the SATIIs? Or even SATs? If the latter, you can self report the CR score and not even bother to send in the official report.</p>
<p>If you are worried about the cost of your dream school, it is worth giving that serious consideration: does your "dream" school fill 100% need for transfers? Do you qualify for need-based aid? If the $$ are not going to work, it doesn't really make sense to agitate yourself and go through the hard work of transfer apps. Instead, look for schools which <em>will</em> work financially and/or make a concerted effort to settle in and make the most of where you are.</p>
<p>As to how you know if transfer is a really good decision, that varies from case to case. And... you don't have to figure that out now. Follow entomom's advice and stewartudall's. You really do have time - to see if you can't really be quite happy where you are; or to handle applications over winter break.</p>
<p>Relax, if you can, and and we are always to here to help.</p>
<p>You should really try getting into your first choice university by trying to go to a community college (for the UCs) or sticking it out at your current college and then, applying as a sophomore/junior transfer.</p>