So basically, to make a long story short, I applied for transfer admissions to a few top schools and got into all my top choices; however, because of financial aid, I had no choice but to attend my last choice college. While I have a lot of respect for my last choice college, the problem is that when i was applying, I didn’t really focus on that college specifically and hence I applied to the wrong major/school within that specific university.
I’ve been thinking for a while about what to do next and I think that I want to apply for transfer again to several other top colleges.
My question and concern are: do adcoms at top colleges perceive double transfers in a negative light? Would being a double transfer reduce my chances of admission? Also, do you guys think that my reason for transfer is sufficient enough for undergoing a second round of transfer admissions?
I would say it hurts your chances. It comes across as fickle and unsure of what you want, or as an inability to settle in and finish what you started. Can you move with the college you are attending to get closer to the major you want?
@intparent Well, my new school does allow for internal transfer, however I’m not sure about my chances there as I’ve heard it is pretty competitive. So, my plan was to apply to a few other schools just in case my internal transfer (which I will definitely pursue) doesn’t work out.
I think that my decision to enroll in this college was more of a reflection of certain limitations rather than ambiguity about what I want, but I understand what you mean.
Do you think schools will be more forgiving if I provide a VERY LEGITIMATE REASON for transferring
I think they will still wonder. So you will want to include a coupe of lower ranked schools you would genuinely want to attend in case it doesn’t work out. But this time research very carefully ahead of time. You’ve already made a choice that isn’t feeling right to you twice, and you want to get it right this time if you feel you must transfer again.
@intparent Thanks for the advice. I’ll just see how the internal transfer works out. I hope I don’t need to transfer out, however, I will apply just to be safe.
It looks from your other thread like you will be a sophomore, transferring to Cornell (in some division other than its College of Arts and Sciences) after completing frosh year somewhere else, since you asked about Cornell’s internal transfer process to its College of Arts and Sciences.
Given the criteria listed at http://as.cornell.edu/internal-transfer , if you are not approved to transfer to Cornell’s College of Arts and Sciences, your college GPA may be low enough that you need to target significantly less selective schools to transfer to if you do not want to stay in whatever division you currently are in at Cornell. Such less selective schools may not care as much about your reason for transfer or apparent fickleness compared to your college GPA and ability to graduate on time in your intended major.
@ucbalumnus For the internal transfer, I’m not very worried that I won’t meet the grade requirements; I’m worried that the internal transfer office would think of “my plan” as being very shady (transfer to 1 school in Cornell and then transferring to CAS) and would reject my application right on the spot, which is why I’m considering transferring externally.
The main issue here is that I’m not willing to go through all the stresses of transfer applications (as well as financial costs) just to “downgrade” to a much less selective school (Not trying to “upgrade” either though; maybe similar level).
Theoretically, if I get a good, or very good, GPA at Cornell but for some reason they don’t approve my internal transfer, do you think that I can at least transfer to some schools of equal caliber?
@momofsenior1 I didn’t do any research for the school and its offerings, and I just applied to the school that one of my high school friend is currently enrolled in. I know, looking back now, that it was an imprudent decision, but cornell was never really on my radar so I never took it that seriously.
@happymomof1 I think I’m fine with staying at Cornell as long as I’m able to transfer to my desired major. I don’t really want to do a gap year as that would delay my graduation.
Yes, it will be a negative when admission officers see you want to transfer twice in two years – it will appear either like you are never satisfied, you are continually seeking out more prestige, or you didn’t properly research the school you chose to attend none of which are especially impressive traits.
What makes you think the schools that were not affordable this year will be affordable next year?
From other posts it appears that you will be at Cornell. This is your third post asking about internal and external transfers from Cornell. I suggest you stop thinking about transferring and start thinking about how to make Cornell work for you.
Stop guessing and talk to your advisor at Cornell and see if you can transfer. I will say that applying to a college without doing the necessary research was not prudent. If Cornell does not allow you the internal transfer, see what you can piece together in your existing college that comes closest to your interest.
@Guccio - If you really want this specific major, you need to find out NOW whether a transfer to that department is certain, simple, just barely possible, highly unlikely, or not at all possible. You need to communicate immediately, as in first thing on Monday, and get the details. Can you be moved to that department now? Can you start taking the required classes in the fall and be formally transfered into that department second semester? Is a possible transfer contingent on other things that you need to take care of next year?
If you want this specific major, then a gap year to apply strategically to colleges and universities that offer it is not a waste of your time. A gap year with a new list is better than repeated transfers.
If the truth is that you just want to be at Cornell with your HS pal, and there are a number of majors that could work for you there if you find out you can’t change to this specific major, then stick with Cornell.