So I’m about to start school at Dearborn after being rejected from AA for freshman year and getting full tuition to Dearborn. I really, really, REALLY want to transfer to AA. It’s my dream school. I couldn’t see myself anywhere else. I ended high school with a 3.5 GPA… I got a 30 on the ACT junior year… I did tons of ECs in high school, I even made it to track and field states for pole vaulting. I’m terrified I won’t get accepted yet again. I’m already regretting going to Dearborn and I haven’t even started yet. Anyway, what are some things I can do that will greatly increase my chances? I’m going to be in the honors program, does that help?
I have met people who transferred to AA from Flint or Dearborn. Just make sure to do well in college and of course get involved in extracurriculars as well. By the time you apply to transfer, I believe nothing from high school matters anymore. When you apply for transfer admission, typically they only care about what you have done in college and beyond.
On the good side, you have free tuition and for the first year or two, the courses and instructors (many teach at both AA and Dearborn) are going to be mostly the same. Your grades and recommendations are going to matter the most, and you will be able to transfer when you have sophomore standing or later.
What school are you planning to transfer to? LSA has lower admission standards than engineering. You should be able to set your schedule so all of your credits will transfer.
I would:
Talk to your advisor about your plan to transfer. Also talk to the AA transfer office.
Aim for an A- average or better.
Avail yourself of the school resources. Many resources will mirror AA.
Go to office hours, ask a lot of questions in classes, and get to know your professors. They will be the ones who write recommendations and you want something beyond ‘he/she’ was a good student.
Get your transfer application in early.
Dearborn has many school related jobs with nearby tech and manufacturing companies. You are in the middle of auto central.
Will your tuition be free in Ann Arbor? If not I would consider transferring during the Winter Sophomore or just before Junior year. That will save you $15K or so.