Should I apply as a freshman or a transfer?

<p>This is a "just in case" sort of question. My first-choice school is a bit out of my reach, but I really want to go there. If I don't get accepted for the 2013-2014 school year, I'll attend another college and likely apply again. Their website says to apply as a transfer only if you have 24 or more credits. Do they mean at the time you apply or at the time you'll be finished with the school you're attending? I'll be applying when I have about 15 credits, but switching schools after about 30 credits. I would be starting at the new school for my sophomore year. So I wouldn't be a freshman when I changed schools, but it sounds like according to them I would have to apply as a freshman. Can anyone clear this up for me?</p>