transfer questions that have been haunting me

<p>I'm thinking of transferring next year to another school, I will be a freshman at college next year, but I doubt I will like the college I will be attending, since it was my last resort. (And for other reasons I will keep private). I essentially got a full ride from the college even though my stats were horribly dismal. (26 ACT, 3.2 GPA)</p>

<p>There are a few questions that are definitely haunting me in the application process and I am hoping I can get as much feedback as possible from people with a lot more experience and knowledge than me from transferring. I'm sure many other upcoming transfer students also have similar questions.</p>

<p>Question #1: Financial Aid- I just want to know more specifically. I understand that transfers receive limited amounts of financial aid, and even with top grades in college, but how accurate is this for Ivy League schools, most state schools (assuming you make stellar grades in college), top LACs, top elite schools, and so forth. I understand its limited, but if possible, could someone elaborate from past experiences or knowledge of financial aid packages, what to expect from the wide spectrum of schools many people, including myself, may be interested in.</p>

<p>Question #2: What is a reasonable amount of schools to apply to? Looking now at my list before the transfer year of 2009-2010, my list of possible schools is around 25-30, and I feel like the more schools I apply to, the better the chance; especially since at the top tier universities since so many scores and stats are similar that it may come down to luck. Also, if I decide to apply to a wide or even a small list of schools, what are the chances of getting free-waivers for the colleges I decide to apply to? Is this common at all or a bit of wishful thinking on the applicant?</p>

<p>Question #3: Transferring credits are also a concern. For most accepted transfer students from a wide variety of universities- did you find it difficult to transfer credits? This is a very stressful thought- since graduating in 4 years is a goal for me. </p>

<p>Question #4: ACT and SATs. Does it matter if you retake the ACT/SAT? I know that some colleges do not require it. Also, if I do decide to retake it, how much does it matter that I retook it in college. Also, when I was younger, I was not very wise and I took three SAT subject tests instead of the SAT reasoning test and scored two 490s and 590 without studying. If I decide to transfer to a college in which the subject tests are required, would it be better to not to send them in? what about explaining the situation?</p>

<p>Question #5: Was the transition difficult or was it easy? I know this is dependent on the university, the social climate and each individual applicant, but a few examples and a little guidance on how to make it as smooth as possible would be very helpful. </p>

<p>Question #6: Housing and finding campus employment. I know that some schools guarantee transfers housing- but what about those that don't- how do I get good housing? Also, I know that I would probably want to find campus employment to be able to suffice food, clothes and other supplies and so forth. What are the chances of finding good campus employment from various universities (library, etc.)- and is this common, or is it mostly for work study students?</p>