To apply as a transfer or freshman applicant?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of California - Berkeley
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm currently a freshman at an Ivy League college. I grew up in southern California, and I miss it a lot. I had always planned to go to school in California, but an unexpectedly generous scholarship from "X College" caused me to attend it rather than Cal, my top choice throughout high school.</p>

<p>To be honest, I'm not having a very good time at my school, and I feel that I've made a mistake coming here. The weather, the people (who can seem cold, elitist, and oblivious to their own privilege), the location, and the college's culture (especially in respect to its exclusive, Greek-dominated social scene) are all factors in why I'm having a less-than-good time. </p>

<p>I feel guilty for wanting to leave, but I honestly do not know how much longer I can stay here. I have never been so unhappy in my entire life, and I really just want to go back to my home state and be around people with similar values, who come from diverse (and in some cases, less affluent) backgrounds. I am the first person in my family to graduate high school and go to college, and I feel ashamed for wanting to give up, but I feel entirely out of place here. </p>

<p>As the title suggests, I've decided to start a UC app account. My basic question is, should I re-apply as a freshman (and by doing so, not mention my academic record at X College) or should I apply as a transfer, and mention my attendance/record at X College? Or would it be possible for me to apply as a freshman without seeking credit for my courses at X College?</p>

<p>What are the benefits of any of these choices? Or, what would I lose by applying as a transfer or as a freshman?</p>

<p>Thank you. I appreciate any and all responses. I have been trying to grapple with this issue on my own, but I don't know enough to make informed choices.</p>

2

<p>Quick response: You need to report your current X College grades and apply as a transfer. Additionally, within the coming years they’re probably going to have a more efficient Clearinghouse college verification system. Transferring in your circumstance will be incredibly difficult as a Sophomore and also difficult as a Junior since CA CC students have priority. As a Junior, you MAY be accepted to some of the other UCs as a transfer but your grades need to be up to par and you need to have completed certain general education classes and additional introductory ones to your major. </p>

<p>It takes a pretty impressive transfer application to be accepted to Cal from a non CA CC standpoint (or even UC reciprocity). Since you don’t really like it there, I’m assuming you probably aren’t involved in much and will probably have a very difficult time transferring. Try searching the UC Transfer student forum for more information.</p>

<p>To be perfectly honest, you should give your current school a chance.</p>