<p>I'm an international student. I'm entering college this fall. Here's the thing, I'm going to this college that has an average academic reputation. </p>
<p>I'm doing a business-related major, but I decided that major is not for me. I still want to do a business-related major, but the college I entered doesn't have the one I'm looking for.</p>
<p>Right now I don't have another option that to enter this college. Can I transfer after my freshman year even if I change major (without having to star all over)?</p>
<p>Also, I have great highschool grades and I'm a good student in general. Is it hard transfering to a higher caliber college?</p>
<p>Yes, you can apply for transfer later. But if might be better if you cancel your enrollment for this fall and take a gap year. That way you would be a freshman applicant instead of a transfer.</p>
<p>Is it easier to get in applying as a freshman rather than a transfer student?</p>
<p>The thing is, for several reasons I HAD to take a year off already. I wouldn’t want to take another gap year. That would be a terrible mistake, wouldn’t it? Even taking another semester off would be wrong, right?</p>
<p>Is it a harder getting into a college as a transfer than a freshman?</p>
<p>I’m getting sick to my stomach. Can you transfer from an average school to a good one with higher selectivity? Would it be better to do it after my first semester, freshman year, sophomore year?
The thing that worries me the most is the change in major. And I think taking more time off would be a mistake. </p>
<p>Should I take another semester off and apply as a freshman for the spring semester 2013? (Then in total i would have taken a year and a half off)
Or should I enter this college and transfer to a different college/different major afterwards? If so, when do you recommend I transfer?</p>
<p>First of all, if you are an international (non U.S.) student, you will be screened slightly differently than U.S. students because your educational background is different.</p>
<p>Second, as a freshman you have not formally “declared” a major so you really have nothing to change. That formal declaration will take place as you are about to enter your junior year. In the U.S., the first two years are usually spent takng basic or core classes required by most universities. Just be sure to take the math you will need. Identify the college you want to transfer to and talk to them about transferabilty of classes. You will probably be fine if you are taking the basics but check with them. Guessing is not a substitute for knowing.</p>
<p>Third, my experience is that you should complete at least one year at your present university before transferring but if you are intent on transferring, then you should do it for your sophomore year.</p>
<p>Under your circumstances I would not take another gap year. It is time to move on with your education.</p>
<p>Whether or not you can transfer to a perceived “higher” or more competive school will depend primarily on two factors: your grades at your current college and because you will likely have 30 hours or less to transfer, your high school grades/history. Focus on your current grades. </p>
<p>You may have other attributes that will make you an attractive student to a more competive school but I haven’t seen your resume. Make sure it is a strong marketing document and that your grades support your ability to thrive in a more competive environment.</p>