Potential Transfer Questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
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Hi Everyone,

Next year I will be a freshman and am deciding between enrolling at James Madison University and Elon University. I intend on majoring in business, and from what I understand both schools seem to have decent (At or around Top 50) business programs. I got into higher ranked colleges, but we just cannot afford them right now. Although I will (hopefully) be happy with these schools, I have been extensively thinking about transferring to a more competitive undergrad business program, and right now my top prospects are UNC Kenan-Flagler or UVA- McIntire.

I would prefer to transfer in as a Sophomore, as I already visited both schools and loved them the same. However, I know pure desire won’t get me into the business schools, which is why I have done some research about the two, but would like some insight from more knowledgeable people.

I understand that I would have to apply into A&S for both schools, and apply as an internal transfer, so which b-school is easier to get accepted to as an internal transfer?

Questions about UVA McIntire

I really like UVA and would like to enroll ASAP, but I want to be realistic and would like to know: is it easier to transfer as a Sophomore, work on prereqs and apply into Mcintire as an internal transfer, or apply right into McIntire junior year? Should I stay at JMU/Elon b-school with open admissions, and apply straight into UVA b-school as a junior, or risk it and apply as a sophomore?

If I transfer in as a sophomore, do I need to complete all Prereqs, or would some Elon/JMU classes satisfy those classes?

Right now I am PLANNING on majoring in Business, but am technically undecided. If I transfer as a sophomore and get denied from McIntire, how difficult is their Econ major? I am taking Macro this year and like it, but I would imagine UVA is much tougher

How hard is UVA in general? What is the Average GPA? I know the average b-school admit has like a 3.7 or something.

Will my GPA/test scores be considered as a sophomore/Junior Transfer? I have a 3.6 and a 29 (30 superscored) ACT

2

I really have to warn against your strategy in general. I think you are underestimating the ease of transferring and overestimating the benefit you will receive by doing so. Both Elon and JMU have excellent business schools. Your academic profile is more fitting to their typical admitted students vs. those at UVA and UNC (assuming you are out of state for both). But most importantly, I think it’s a major mistake to go into your freshman year with the plan of transferring. You will never fully enjoy the experience at Elon/JMU knowing that you are just going to leave after a year. Instead, I would suggest giving either school a full hearted shot before going the transfer route.

In response to your other questions, UVA and UNC are both difficult schools. Transferring into their business schools will be tough, especially since your high school stats won’t blow them away and you’re at a disadvantage when competing against the kids who have completed a full year successfully at their university. I work in finance with people who come from top 10 business schools and schools you’ve never heard of. Rankings are truly irrelevant in the real world, if you are smart and motivated, you will be just as successful no matter which school you choose. Good luck!

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@malax222 Thank you very much for your response! I agree with you about my current schools and I will definately go in with a more open mind. But right now, it is just hard for me to get super excited for the schools as they were my 4th and 5th choices.

I think you do raise a good point about the feasability of my strategy. The Only reason why I brainstormed this crazy plan is because of my performance in school this year. Last year, I would have never even considered this, but I have done pretty well this year, getting a 4.1 GPA taking mostly honors/ AP classes at a magnet high school. Even though this may just be leniency on the teachers part, I am hoping it’s because I am maturing a little more.

Either way, you were right about the dangers of transferring. Both schools websites siad that if I am serious about business, it would be safer for me to stay in my current program. But who knows? Maybe I’ll end up hating business, or maybe I’ll end up loving my current school .

Thanks again for your response.

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@malax222 Oh btw, are you a current UVa Comm. major? Just wondering…