<p>I am a rising freshman that would like to transfer to Stanford, Duke, UChicago, etc. someday in my undergraduate education. I was wondering if my chances are better if I transfer from a community college (Honors Program) or after 2 yrs at a 4-year university (Honors Program). My grades in HS were average, even though I graduated in the top percentile and had ACT scores that were above average. Overall, however, my stats in HS weren't that great, so I'm looking for a second chance. Community college works out very well financially, but what if I don't get into the school I want now that it's terribly competitive? Any advice and suggestions would be great. Thanks.</p>
<p>Most of the top schools are much easier to get into as freshmen than as transfers. If you go into college freshman year to a school in hopes of transferring out to a top school, you may be disappointed. Consider also the possibility that you will NOT get into Stanford, UChicago, etc., as a transfer student and make your decision with that knowledge. There are many wonderful schools that aren’t as difficult to get into as those you have named - don’t think that if you don’t go to those your life is over.</p>
<p>As far as answering your question, I would think that it would be easier to transfer from the honors program at a 4-year university than from the honors program at a community college.</p>
<p>I think that you should go to the 4-year university.</p>
<p>A lot depends on the particular community college and the particular four-year university that you are looking at. Make an appointment with the transfer counselor at the community college so that you can find out about their placement rates. Students who complete the honors program at our local community college transfer into top colleges/universities every single year - even HYPSM institutions.</p>
<p>some community colleges have programs/partnerships with 4-year universities to help exceptional students become competitive applicants. in some states, these partnerships are with ivies and top schools. for ex: cornell has a “pathway to success” program for students from ny community colleges. it doesn’t guarantee admission, but it’s definitely an advantage. </p>
<p>however, there is NO direct pathway to a top school. if you are not competitive as a hs applicant, than you are going to have absolutely SHINE in cc and even then it’s super competitive. top schools are going to look are your life experience, grades, essays, letters of rec, etc. trans to a top school is a lot more work than just getting good grades and improving your stats. </p>
<p>what state do you live in? if i were you, i’d research the schools you want to transfer to and see what their community college stats are like. for ex, stanford takes about 20 transfer students a year (including cc and 4-year university students). cornell takes about 20% of their transfer applicants (however, that includes students who were offered a guaranteed transfer option their sr year of hs if they performed well their first year of college. external transfer #s are WAY less). regardless, it’s a big difference. to be competitive at the top schools, you will need to be in the honors program either at cc or a 4 year. you will need great ECs. you will need a stellar, (likely perfect) gpa. you will need great letters of rec. you will need awesome essays. some of those items are easier to obtain at a cc, some are easier to obtain at a 4-year. </p>
<p>if cc is better for you now b/c of finances, you can always do cc now and then transfer to a state university or another school. most ppl ive talked to would have saved the money and just done their prerequisites at cc. it’s easier and cheaper.</p>
<p>so to answer your question: your chances are slim in both places.</p>