<p>I'm a senior in high school, and I'm trying to explore my options. One such thing is going to a mediocre university for a year or two (on a full ride, which I can get for many OK universities), and then transferring to a much better school for my bachelor's. I can't get into schools like Berkeley right now, and I would really like to finish my college schooling at a good school.</p>
<p>So, would it be better to go to an OK university to get the basics done (hopefully for free), or should I just go straight to a reach college? Any problems with transferring to a college after a year or two?</p>
<p>Sure, that is a good strategy
Several thing you should keep in mind:</p>
<ol>
<li>In the first two years, you cannot be a slacker and aiming no less than A+ for each class</li>
<li>Most top unis are more difficult in transfer than in freshmen application, except those community colleges who have articulation agreements with state flagships. Princeton, for one, do not take transfers. Harvard, takes 5% in regular admission, perhaps 1% in transfers.</li>
<li>You have to be very careful on course selections, most top universities do not take all transfer credits unless you are approved by them. So, it is very possible that you might ended up with 4.5 or 5 years of college, which defeated its purpose.</li>
<li>Financial Aid is much restricted in Transfer.</li>
</ol>
<p>The best strategy is still get to the best affordable college you can in freshman and graduate ASAP.</p>
<p>What majors/career goals, where are you in-state, and why a much better school for the bachelor’s?</p>
<p>And what do you consider “better” schools (and where would you get free-tuition scholarships now)?</p>