<p>Hi,</p>
<p>I go to a 4-year college and am thinking about transferring. I'm shooting for the very top colleges that accept fewer than 10% of the applicant. The school I'm going to had around 17% acceptance rate when I got in as a freshman, so I know how hard it is to be accepted to the schools I'm transferring. Also, I only took three-courses-equivalent credits. Two of those were from my double-credit class, so I basically took two classes this semester. I got 3.89 out of 4.00, but I know I'll have harder time getting in, because I only took few classes. So I want to plan out the best for when I get rejected to all of the schools I'm applying to. </p>
<p>So if I don't get in, I want to go to a study abroad as a sophomore. Yes, my school has sent sophomore exchange students so far. The one reason why I want to go that early is all the courses I can place out by going there early. I'm finishing intermediate second language this year and spend next year learning advanced level. I'll be learning senior-level language in my junior year, if my plan works out. But if I go to a study abroad in a sophomore year, I'll be placing out from two advanced level and one senior level, so I'll learning the second semester of the senior level language in my sophomore spring. If I go there in junior year, I'll still get a credit but won't be getting benefit from placing out all the courses, because I'll be done with my advanced level by then anyways.</p>
<p>Also, if I don't get into any schools this year but get into a school as a junior, I won't be able to go to study abroad at all in my undergrad years. The language I'm learning and the major I want to study at schools I want to transfer are closely related, so I think it will benefit my junior transfer as well.</p>
<p>But then, if I do get into one of the schools as a sophomore transfer, I'll have to let the school know that I'm not participating really late. Also, I won't be registering for the sophomore fall if I'm accepted as an exchange student. This doesn't matter if I get into a transfer school, but if I don't get in, I'll have a way lesser choice of courses next year. And the chance of getting a rejection from everywhere is HUGE.</p>
<p>I tried to compare pros and cons of applying for Study Abroad, but I can't make my mind easily. I'd love to hear your thoughts and take them into consideration. </p>
<p>Thanks</p>