Internal transferring as an external transfer

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cornell University
1

Hey guys,

I am an incoming college sophomore who just went through a BRUTALLY PAINFUL transfer admissions cycle and got into a few top schools. However, the problem was that my first, second, and even third choice schools didn’t give me enough financial aid to attend, so I had no other choice but Cornell. Don’t get me wrong, I like Cornell but the problem is that when I was applying for transfer admissions, I didn’t care that much about my Cornell application (didn’t do ANY research at all) and I applied to a school at Cornell that wasn’t a very good academic fit. Given that I didn’t like my current institution that much (hence why I considered transferring) and that I was accepted to a good university with excellent financial aid, I decided to commit to Cornell, despite not being satisfied with the school/major I was admitted to.

My questions are:

  1. how difficult is it for an external transfer like myself to internal transfer to the College of Arts and Science at Cornell if I meet all the prerequisites?
  2. Considering that I'm an external transfer student, I know internal transferring is seen as a very shady move. Do you guys think that the administration would consider my internal transfer application, given that I meet the prerequisites?
  3. Assuming that my first internal transfer attempt doesn't work out, could I choose to stay at Cornell for an additional semester to reapply for internal transfer? If so, would I be able to get financial aid for that additional semester?
  4. Assuming that none of the above doesn't work out, do you guys think I should start preparing another round of transfer applications right now to get out of Cornell after one semester/year there?

I’m very, very worried right now and any insight would be greatly appreciated

2

I don’t know how difficult it would be, but you should be allowed to apply as an incoming sophomore. However, “because of the College’s four-semester residency requirement, if you externally transfer into Cornell as a second-semester sophomore or later, you are not eligible for internal transfer into A&S.” So you would have to do it as soon as you’re allowed to. I would speak with your academic advisor as soon as you’re able. Here’s the link with more info: http://as.cornell.edu/internal-transfer

3

While doable, you need to have a plan immediately or you will not graduate in 4 years, defeating the reason to attend (cost). The challenge is that you need to both “make progress” in your own college, but also take electives that would help you get into the new. There is a min to be enrolled “in good standing” in your chosen current college, and requirements to transfer to your new major. Find out what they are.