<p>Hi all,
I'm a current freshman at a top liberal arts college thinking of transferring after my sophomore year. I have a 3.7 ish college GPA, had a high school GPA of 3.78, and SAT score of 2250. I had lots of volunteer experience in high school, want to volunteer at a hospital this semester, did research in a lab one semester, and have an on campus job. I'd like to transfer to a bigger school with more diversity and perhaps a better location. What kind of schools would you guys suggest that I apply to? Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m also transferring out of my university, although I will transfer for Fall 2013. I recommend making a list of things you like/don’t like about your current college and turning the things you don’t like about your school into things you look to change at your next college. For me I want: more liberal student body, northeast, more urban, and an open curriculum. I would plug in what you want to a college search and see what you come up with. Good luck!</p>
<p>You both need to consider the cost of transferring. Few schools offer any good scholarships to transfer students. If your parents can pay the costs then good luck. As far as a big U, look to your in-state flagship.</p>
<p>My parents don’t like the idea of me transferring ‘down,’ so it’d have to be a school that is just as strong in academics for me to transfer to. I’m just worried because I know that transferring is really hard and takes up a lot of time. What can I do to stand out as an applicant?</p>
<p>Good grades, but you have those. I have called a few schools I’m considering and they say that the essay is make or break in an application. They want to see why you don’t like your current institution and why you think the school you are applying to transfer to is great. A lot of students transfer because they 1) hate their school or 2) love the other school. An admissions officer at Brown said that the best applicants who are running both to and from something, if I can say that.</p>
<p>^ that’s good advice.
but yeah, make a list of what you DO want in your college. I’m thinking of transferring and have been very, very, indecisive about where to apply (because who wants to waste time/money if you don’t even end up transferring) but I’ve found some schools I think I’d be good at. figuring out what you want is the best you can do!</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice guys! 
I just feel like my reason to transfer won’t be compelling enough. I mean, I want to major in neuroscience and my school is pretty strong in the sciences already, albeit pretty small. I guess I just really don’t like the social scene here and wish there was more diversity on my campus. I know in my essay I’d probably mention greater research resources for the schools I’m applying to, but I don’t know if that’s a good enough reason.</p>