<p>Is there particularly something about UCI that you don’t like? Or do you just feel like you don’t fit in well into its program or social scene? I’m not familiar with the pre-med tracks of advice, so I’ll give you my best advice.</p>
<p>Your high school grades are very good, and so are your test scores. Did you get into USC and Berkeley before? If so, I think you have a chance at both as a transfer if your college grade is consistently high (like 3.7+). The thing with the UC schools is that they require you to have 60 transferrable credits by the time you apply, so you have to wait until the end of your sophomore year to attempt it. Luckily, since you go to a UC, all of your credits are likely to transfer over. Have you thought about UCLA? I hear its program is “amazing.”</p>
<p>At this point, all you can do is to continue to work hard. You seem pretty involved already and make sure all the ECs are relevant to what you want to do with your career (the more focus, the better it looks for the school). For USC, i’m sure you can apply if you’ll have 30 credits by the time you enroll there, but I believe certain programs have specific requirements.</p>
<p>I would make a definitive list of schools that you are interested in transferring to…like ten that just strikes you. After you compile it, go research each school and look for the program you are looking for. If it doesn’t have it, don’t even bother with it. I would minimize your list to three or four schools just to be on the safer side and if you want to get out of UCI asap. Look at the requirements for each school meticulously so you will set by the time you apply to the schools. It would suck to be missing a requirement and not being able to get accepted because of that.</p>
<p>Also, I would start your transfer essay about four months prior to the application time, so you will have everything done and set by the time you can submit your essay. Depending on your school, the essay should be focused more on why their program is best for you. Whatever you write, don’t get carried away and talk about what you don’t have at UCI. Talk about UCI under a positive light: talk about the amazing professors you met, the great friends, the experience, etc. and how all of these prepared you for something more and how you are going to bring something new to the table at their school. Even go in-depth with a certain program and write about what particularly intrigues you about it (specific professor or research that goes on). It’s all about over-kill with transfers, especially at competitive schools. Show them that you’re worth it and that you’re totally serious about your career and, ultimately, making a name for their institution. </p>
<p>For now, just continue your hard work and show leadership skills, which you seem to have. Honestly, your doing fine and just keep up the work. Good Luck!</p>