Question about transfer eligibility

<p>
[quote]
If you applied for admission during the last academic year, you may request in writing to have your application reactivated for transfer consideration. Applicants who were previously denied admission to Northwestern must wait one academic year before being reconsidered and are strongly encouraged to enroll full-time at another college or university for that period.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>
[quote]
To be eligible to enroll at Northwestern as a transfer student, you must have completed one full academic year (24 semester hours or 36 quarter hours) at a postsecondary institution.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I applied last application cycle (starting freshman year in college now), so does that mean that I have to finish up this year before applying to transfer?</p>

<p>In other words, am I not eligible to apply this year? Do I have to apply as a college sophomore (meaning that, if somehow accepted, I would start fall semester as a junior), or does it simply mean that I have to have finished the 24 semester hours before potentially enrolling?</p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>