<p>Okay, so my first question is...does it matter where you transfer from as long as its regionally accredited and you get a high gpa (3.6+) with some challenging courses? I feel like due to financial reasons I might end up at an instate low tier state university (SCSU ) ...since I am unable to commute to a CC. Even though I would have preferred to transfer from a CC. This way, I will be able to get a lot of genEds out of the way and save some money i guess.</p>
<p>Also, I've read on the "Transfer 101" thread about how if you have a poor HS record, then waiting to transfer after 2 years would be the best option since it would be weighted less heavily. Is this true? In my case, my HS record is pretty bad but I hope that in the future the transfer adcoms will see this in a positive light about how I've overcome adversity. Do you think they could view it that way? My dreamy transfer reaches would be UPENN, Emory (which is in the 30-40%s for transfers but still--they are trying to get more transfers I've read.), vandy and WUSTL and maybe my match/safety school the U of MN (state flagship).</p>
<p>I plan on making the most out of my college experience, where I will be involved, try to get some internships and do some community service. I will also definitely (hopefully :b) write good transfer essays w/o bashing my current school. And lastly, hopefully get some good prof. recommendations...</p>
<p>Another question I have is do colleges give good financial aid to transfer students? I'm low income--my EFC=0. I am also URM but I have no idea if that would help me.Do you know any colleges that are known for giving good fin. aid packages to transfer students...? I know vandy gives good aid.</p>
<p>Lastly, do you think I am on the right path? oh yeah, I'd like to apologize in advance...I know that was a lot of questions :b</p>
<p>I'd highly appreciate a response. Thank you! </p>
<p>I think you have an excellent plan. You seem to have kept all the important points in mind.</p>
<p>Yes, the more credits you have when you transfer(but under 60 or so) with a high GPA the less your HS record will matter. IMO GPA is the number one factor. You need to keep your GPA high. The second thing is some kind of major related EC like an internship or research experience. Oh, and don’t forget to cultivate good relationships with your professors. You will NEED 2-3 great rec’s and if you don’t start making sure you stand out from the beginning it will be hard to get them.</p>
<p>The only thing I would suggest as a fellow low income transferee is to really research the FA early. When I first started the transfer process I didn’t really realize how important FA would be. If I could do it over again, I’d start with a list of schools that meet full need, without loans if possible, and work backwards from there to choose my ‘reach’ schools. Sometimes it’s hard to find out transfer specific info so you may have to call. You can’t always assume a school’s policy will apply to transfers.</p>
<p>@notaclue:thank you sooo much for that response that also makes me feel better how can I find out which colleges meet full need for transfers?
Also,would you suggest taking summer classes to get a little bit ahead + to show how serious I am? Hopefully I will try to take a lot of 200 level classes…maybe even a few 300 but I will definitely balance my schedule so I won’t kill myself :P</p>
<p>The school from which you are transferring does factor in, but I am guessing that the difference between a low-tier state U and a CC would not be significant. I agree that the GPA, good recs… (mentioned by the earlier responder) are the key things. </p>
<p>You can certainly try for transfer after only 1 year (but remember at the time of application, you will only have 1 full semester to show) if you like. With a poor hs record, I do think waiting 2 years is best.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, I don’t know much re financial aid packages for transfers (need-based). I know that there is precious little merit aid for transfers. I’d suggest you make a separate thread(s) titled something like Need-based Aid for transfers (EFC=0) - that should attract the posters with knowledge and experience in that area. You could also post such a thread on individual schools’ forums.</p>
<p>I do think you are on the right path, and thinking clearly. Your list, however, has several dream (reach) schools with one safety. If you would be very very happy at that one safety, you can proceed with that list. If, however, you’d really rather not go there, I would suggest you balance the list more, with one or more additional safeties you would truly love to attend and maybe a match option or two.</p>
<p>One last note - whenever you see a top school with a relatively high transfer acceptance rate (such as Emory), you need to dig a bit deeper. Some of them (even privates) have formal or informal agreements with local CCs, and that can yield a high rate that doesn’t mean much for out-of-state folks. Not saying this applies to Emory - just that you should check.</p>
<p>^Thank you Andale for the helpful response What if I end up attending a university that’s like, #136 on USWR (national universities) …i think it’s a tier 2 school. Would that make a difference? i hope i can go if i end up receiving a good financial aid package…</p>
<p>and oh yeah, definitely! it would be foolish of me not to apply to match schools and others in between…i have a pretty good long list though so I guess i should be good.</p>
<p>And I will probably post that “need-based aid for transfers EFC=0” that way i can get my question answered while potentially providing helpful info for others…</p>
<p>I think your own accomplishments at whatever school you choose for your first year or two will matter more than that particular school’s reputation. Just my opinion.</p>
that also makes me feel better