should i transfer, when, and where?

Transfer Students
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<p>Hey, I'm currently a freshman economics major at Iowa State University. I'm considering transferring, and I would like to know if I should transfer, when I should transfer, and wherer could I apply to with a decent chance of acceptance. </p>

<p>I don't really like it here. It's a cool place, but I'm having trouble concentrating, as several good friends from high school go here. I feel like a more serious academic environment would better allow me to learn. Also, a degree from a more respected school would likely look better on applications for jobs or graduate schools. There are other pluses, in that a better school would also have a better faculty/student ratio, more resources, etc. </p>

<p>I'm interested in going to law school and pursuing a career in politics. For my undergrad, I'm looking at majoring in political science, philosophy, international relations, and possibly economics, although I really think I'll end up switching out of econ, regardless of where I go. </p>

<p>Here's some high school info:
I am entering Iowa State University as a freshman economics major next year, and I was wondering if anyone could tell me where I would have a chance at transfering to.
HS stats:
-Public High School In Muscatine, IA (about 24,000 people, 1,700 in the school)
-3.2 GPA (hardest course selection available)
-1550 SAT verbal + math, 2230 v+m+writing, taken junior year
-33 ACT, taken junior year
-Complete AP Exam Results:
European History (10) 4
English Lit (11) 4
US Gov (11) 5
Comp Gov (11) 5
Calculus AB (only calc offered) (12) 5
English Lang and comp (12) 5
Macro Econ (12) 5
Micro Econ (12) 5
-National Merit Finalist
-Walgreen's National Merit Corporate Scholarship ($1,000 a year)
-ISU Merit Scholarship (Full tuition, room, and board scholarship)
-National AP Scholar (12)
-AP Scholar with Honor (11)
-Rotary Club Academic Distinction (12)
-Josten's Citizenship Scholarship (12)</p>

<p>Activities:
Trumpet-Wind Ensemble (10-12, principal), Jazz Ensemble (10, 11, soloist), Jazz Band (9), Symphonic Band (9-12, principal), Show Choir (10), Marching Band (9-12, section leader, soloist), Pit Orchestra for musicals (10-12, principal), Pep Band, Brass Quintet (12, principal), Muscatine Symphony Orchestra (12, associate principal), Quad City Youth Symphony (12, principal)
Drums: Jazz Ensemble (12), RCR Show Choir (varsity, 12), Encore Show Choir (JV, 12)</p>

<p>I made the Iowa All-State Band (supposedly considered one of the best in the country) on trumpet my junior and senior years, and also played in the University of Iowa, Augustana College, and Iowa State University honor bands my junior year (didn't want to do them again senior year so i didn't try).
I received several Division I "Superior" ratings for marching, jazz, and solo performances at state contest, and I received the "outstanding performance," best-in-center award my senior year at state solo contest. I was invited to play a recital at the Iowa State fair this summer</p>

<p>My first-semester courses are:</p>

<p>English 250H: honors written, oral, visual, and electronic communications
Econ 301: intermediate microeconomics
Math 166H: honors calculus II
Poli Sci 319: politics and law
Hon 121: freshman honors seminar
Music 115: symphonic band</p>

<p>100-299 level courses are for freshmen and sophomores, and 300-499 level courses are designed for juniors and seniors
I should have a 3.8 or higher gpa this first semester
I'm involved in music (symphonic band, as mentioned), politics (various clubs, and possibly working for a campaign), the freshmen honors program, and various other organizations (philosophy club, pre-law club, etc).</p>

<p>I have three excellent recommendations from high school AP teachers, and I believe i'll have a very good recommendation from at least one professor here. </p>

<p>Oh, and I have a full tuition, room, and board scholarship at ISU (for 4 years).</p>

<p>Once again, should I transfer? should I transfer after freshman year or sophomore year (or some other time???), and where should I/could I transfer to? Would UPenn, UChicago, Northwestern, WashU, and comparable schools be within reach?</p>

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<p>It sounds like you're in a similar situation that I'm in. I have a full ride scholarship from my school too, but I'm not sure if I'm completely satisfied with the academics. One thing that you should keep in mind before you transfer is that you'd be giving up a LOT of money (if I'm not mistaken), so I would do some research on the scholarships/financial aid available before transferring. Nonetheless, your stats look pretty good, so I think you have a pretty good chance of getting into those schools. Just make sure you have specific reasons why you want to transfer and you should keep in mind what "special" qualities you can offer... good luck! :-)</p>

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<p>bumpbumpbumpbumpbumpbump</p>

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<p>bumpbumpbumpbump</p>

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<p>Did you select ISU primarily for the full ride scholarship? Where else did you apply and where else were you admitted?</p>

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<p>[qoute] Also, a degree from a more respected school would likely look better on applications for jobs or graduate schools.

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<p>Probably not going to happen very often, but my cousin (an ISU grad) got her job in Chicago (with an Advertising company) because the boss' son-in-law went to Iowa State and the boss thought he was such a great worker and had such a great education from college (don't know what he majored in).</p>