<p>yes that seems to be the case with many top-ranked colleges AND the schools/colleges within them. For example its easier(but still pretty hard:() to transfer into uPenn CAS(arts/science school) than it is Wharton(business). Part of the reason is: the requirements or pre-rec classes transfers must take to be considered, # of apllicants, and the overall prestige of the program.</p>
<p>You could try to transfer into CAS, go there for a year, and then try to do an internal transfer to Wharton, but thats usually impossible with most schools. For example, with NYU, per transfer policy, you CANNOT transfer into CAS and then do an internal transfer to Stern. Be sure to check the policy for that.</p>