The epic transfer dilemma.

Transfer Students
1

<p>So I'm currently a student at UC Berkeley; and looking to transfer to some of the more transfer-friendly Ivies (e.g. UPenn, Brown). My dilemma is that with my big classes and less-than-exemplary participation, I doubt I will be able to get good letters of recommendation from professors this semester, and I have to submit my application by early next year if I plan to transfer as a second-year. </p>

<p>Therefore, I was planning on transferring as a third-year instead. However, I heard that high school credentials will matter less by that point, and college GPA, etc. will matter more. My college GPA isn't quite as spotless as my high school GPA was. </p>

<p>So bottom line: would you guys recommend I transfer this year as a second-year with my good HS stats and GPA gaining more weight but with fair to below-average recommendation letters? Or would you recommend I transfer next year as a third-year with better recommendation letters but less HS GPA weight to counterbalance my less-than-spotless college GPA?</p>

<p>Any and all help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!</p>

2

<p>the letters of recommendation are very very important, i think people tend to underestimate their value. if you have a lower GPA, the admissions people will take into account that you go to Cal, and that it’s considerably more difficult than many other schools. </p>

<p>for the next spring or fall semester you should try to take at least one small ‘seminar’ class where you can easily interact with your professor. it also wouldn’t be a bad idea to obtain a research position in your field and get a letter through that</p>

<p>don’t just transfer for the sake of being in an Ivy league school though, Berkeley is a fine school…</p>

3

<p>It probably doesn’t matter if your GPA isn’t spotless. Isn’t Berkeley infamous for its grade deflation? Seems like a 3.8+ from Cal would be hella* impressive.</p>

<p>*Possible irony? I still can’t differentiate between the kids from northern and southern California, honestly…</p>