<p>I am currently a student at Cal State Northridge. I had a terrible first semester, and after family and financial issues, I did terrible again as a part time student second semester. After my first year, my cum. gpa is a 2.56, but I've taken a huge amount of classes this semester (17 units), and if I get a 4.0 my gpa will be up to above a 3.2.</p>
<p>I haven't had a great time at all at CSUN, as it is a commuter school, and combined with my family issues I've really missed out on a college experience. I would love to transfer to a school around LA or NY, or even Chicago, but I have no idea what my chances are at any school with my current gpa. I'm assuming any school like NYU or Fordham is out of the question, so what would my odds be at Pepperdine, LMU or Occidental?</p>
<p>I can’t really speak to your chances, but have you considered what I imagine will be a substantial difference in cost? And how you would finance that?</p>
<p>What about targeting a different CSU, one less commuter-oriented?</p>
<p>Occidental requires a 3.3 or higher GPA for admission and Pepperdine is probably equally or more selective. You might have a chance at LMU, but why not apply to all of the schools you’re interested in and qualified for? You definitely might consider Chapman, but add some safety CSU’s and UC’s to your list that don’t look at your finances or grades as closely. </p>
<p>Oh, and NYU is a high reach as your grades are too low and you would likely have to borrow or pay mostly out of pocket. </p>
<p>What you might consider doing is staying at your current school, bringing your GPA up to the 3.5-6 range, accumulating around 60 credits and applying to some competitive schools. If you’re looking for a small liberal arts sort of atmosphere, check out east coast schools like Hampshire, Brandeis, Connecticut and the Little Ivies perhaps. On the other hand, a school like Pitzer or CMC might suit you–if your grades improve. Also keep in mind that California UC campuses are some of the best in the country and you might consider just applying to those this application cycle and the next. You may get in with lower grade, but you may need to bring your grades up a bit. However, there is nothing lost in attempting to transfer more than once. </p>