<p>If I am thinking about transferring schools (I am going to be a freshman), should I tell my academic adviser right before we start planning my schedule? I am afraid that the adviser will be offended or something.</p>
<p>Yeah, I'm in the same situation. I didn't tell them. If there are any required courses that you must take for a specific school, fake it and pretend you actually want to take them.</p>
<p>I've heard they'll treat you like **** if they know.</p>
<p>I wouldn't tell. Make sure you take generic general ed classes that will most likely have an equivalent at the school you're looking to go to.</p>
<p>In addition, your grades won't transfer, just the credits (so you'll start over with a new GPA at your institution). So avoid taking classes in your major if you can.</p>
<p>However do keep in mind that companies/grad schools might ask for your transcripts, in which case they WILL see the old grades, so don't blow them off either! :)</p>
<p>Yeah, as a prospective transfer as well, definitely do not tell. It's sort of rude to say "I intend to transfer" without even giving your current school a try. (which btw you should) </p>
<p>Also, realize that some advisors might be pushy with certain classes and try to lead you a certain way in your undergrad career (like fulfilling that particular school's geneds first). But if you intend to transfer, you already know there's no point taking Art Appreciation or some other inane gened if your prospective transfer school doesn't require it. Try taking some sort of combination of freshman English, math, foreign language, and lab science your first year as they're basically the same wherever you go. Also, do take some courses in whatever major you're interested so you don't fall behind on your major coursework (just make sure it sounds like something another school might offer as well).</p>
<p>What do you plan to major in?</p>
<p>I plan on majoring in English and minoring (?) in Business. </p>
<p>So I should take all of the introductory classes, yes? I didn't take any AP exams my senior year (which I deeply regret), and so I'll be taking "Intro to _____" classes. I don't think my transfer school will see this as very impressive, but hey. </p>
<p>Any other tips about scheduling for a transfer? I've started looking at my dream school's course catalog, and I plan on taking classes with credits that will transfer smoothly. </p>
<p>And yes, I will give my current school a chance. :)</p>
<p>Hard schedules and taking courses towards a specfic major looks good to the adcoms.</p>
<p>When I was applying for transfer, I was fully honest about it with my advisor. It didn't seem to bother him, or even surprise him. After all, my original school has one of the lowest (or perhaps the absolute lowest) retention rate of any top 50 school, so it was hardly shocking. </p>
<p>As for courses, you might want to keep in mind the attitude the school you're transferring to towards courses. For example, WUSTL gave me credit for everything except my Pass/Fail course. I took a couple of gen eds, but mostly took courses that interested me, and were consistant with my strengths. It didn't seem to hurt me when it came to credit or admissions. Hell, it just helped me get better grades, which even if not calculated into my WUSTL GPA, will be useful come law school time.</p>
<p>So, from my own experience, I don't think there's too much to be concerned about. Unless there are specific pre-req or gen ed requirements you need to be considered for admission, or there are specific courses you must take at the school you hope to transfer to in order to get credited for them, take whatever you normally would. And don't avoid sharing your transfer plans, as you might actually get some helpful transfer tips if you're open about it.</p>
<p>What would a hard schedule consist of? I assume that the introductory courses would not count as hard, but maybe taking 300-level courses during my sophomore year might help a bit.</p>
<p>gprime, you spent your freshman year at Case Western, didn't you? Don't they have a 91% freshmen retention rate? I am not sure how that stacks up to top 50 universities, but it's high compared to most other colleges.</p>
<p>i didnt read every other post, so forgive me if this has already been said -- but just check the school you are transferring to and see what courses are required for transfer and make sure you take those...any others, i would put toward your future major or something that really interests you -- try to make sure there is an equivalent at the other school though, or youll probably have a tough time getting credit for the class</p>
<p>Don't tell the advisor before you start; for one thing, she/he works there and odds are decent likes the school. </p>
<p>Saying "hello, I must be going" is pretty much saying "I haven't spent a day as a student here but I already know I don't like it enough to stay". One of the lessons you learn in life is when to refrain from speaking your mind. You can call it deceit or tact, but its the way the world works.</p>
<p>You haven't even started school yet; give it a chance.</p>
<p>b@r!um, if it's that high, it must've increased. Last I looked, which admittedly wasn't at the most recent USNWR rankings, it was about 89%. I realize that, if compared to all universities nationwide, this number is not all that high. But not all of those schools can be considered peer institutions. The retention rate at a third-tier public university is expected to be lower than at the top 50 schools. So, relative to its peers, Case's retention rate is quite bad. But, given that it is among the 20 least happy schools according to the Princeton Review, this should come as no surprise.</p>
<p>If you find out that you truly wish to transfer, then make sure that the courses you take are transferable to your future institution.</p>
<p>This is why I just plain refuse to have an advisor. Do your own research and pick your own classes. If you must meet with an advisor, go in knowing exactly what you want (and backups), having done all the research. That's what I did first term freshman year (the only time we had to meet with an advisor) and he was impressed and unable to come up with a reason to change it. Why? Because I did my research. Both for my current school and the school I want to transfer to.</p>