I currently study Computer Science and math at University of Maryland, College and was interested in transferring to Cornell or other top schools mainly for the higher competitiveness and “nerdy” atmosphere. I stand as a sophomore (first year here) since I came in with ~45 credits due to AP tests and summer courses at my local community college. I have internships lined up for the summer with Boeing and possibly Facebook so should I just focus on those rather than the college or would transferring be a better experience for me?
Here is what you should know, at least for Ivy schools–the seats at Ivy-plus schools that are available for transfers is largely tied to attrition. Since attrition is almost non-existent in the top Ivy schools, so are the seats available. By way of example, recently, Harvard had over 1500 applicants and admitted about 15, and Yale had over a 1000 applicants in which about 2 dozen were offered seats. Brown is close to 5%.So, while being qualified is certainly a criteria, the other portion must convey why these schools; typical reasons are that these schools offer programs and/or degrees not offered at your existing institution. Transferring because of the desire to attend a more elite institution is NOT consider a valid reason for transfer.
Second, that you could have obtained admission as a freshmen applicant. Third, that you have perfect scores at your current institution. Long story short…it is much more difficult to obtain admission as a transfer than as applying for a freshmen …
It seems your are being successful at UMD. Why would you want to muck that up?
honestly I go to a top computer science school and it sucks because there is SO much competition and it’s terrible for your self esteem. You’d be happier getting a great college experience, being at the cream of the crop. If you want to seek out the nerdy kids, join chess club or something. Or start your own club centered around something nerdy! plus, UMD is probably dirt-cheap compared to cornell if you are instate.