<p>I'm a senior at the University of Virginia. 3.5 years ago, I applied to Caltech, got in, but picked UVA. </p>
<p>Should I mention this previous acceptance in my transfer essay?</p>
<p>I am currently a double major in physics and biochem w/ a minor in math. I'll transfer as a junior. There's a test you have to take in order to transfer. </p>
<p>What is that like? How hard is it? </p>
<p>I think this would better prepare me for graduate school. I'm hoping to get a PhD in elementary particle physics at Caltech. </p>
<p>Would going there for undergrad improve my chances?</p>
<p>Transferring in for two more years of undergraduate study? That's a little odd, but I can imagine you getting in. The exam is decently challenging, but if you are well trained in our core mathematics and physics subjects (you can see them here <a href="http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/education/core/%5B/url%5D">http://www.admissions.caltech.edu/education/core/</a> ) and in the catalog at (<a href="http://pr.caltech.edu/catalog/%5B/url%5D">http://pr.caltech.edu/catalog/</a> ) you should find them quite doable.</p>
<p>Going to Caltech as an undergraduate in physics will probably reduce your chances of getting in for graduate school. Students are discouraged from staying in the same program for another go-around :)</p>
<p>Mentioning that you got in as a freshman probably wouldn't hurt.</p>
<p>Thanks for the info!
Yea, it does seem a bit odd. But I've pretty much regretted my decision for the past 3.5 years so I figure I should do something about it... such as transferring.
I mean where else would I find people to laughed in sync with me to Sandra Lohs commencement speech, have secret crushes on Richard Feynman, or want to paint their dorm rooms with parton collisions in accelerators.</p>
<p>unfortunately, I don't fit in at UVa. And plus, I really really really like EPP and UVa is hardly the place to do research in this mysterious field. </p>
<p>Thanks, </p>
<p>Liz</p>
<p>While you're waiting, have you heard of the REU programs? There are several in elementary particle physics, like <a href="http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/public/reu/%5B/url%5D">http://www.lepp.cornell.edu/public/reu/</a> and <a href="http://www.um-cern-reu.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.um-cern-reu.org/</a>. There are also some that allow you to choose from one of offered fields, such as <a href="http://www.int.washington.edu/REU/%5B/url%5D">http://www.int.washington.edu/REU/</a>. They're only for the summer, not the school year, but it's much better than having almost nothing.</p>
<p>you might consider graduating from uva and going to caltech for grad school? since you only have a semester left?</p>
<p>yea, I've definitely thought about that. But since I'm only getting a BA in physics, not a BS, I'm afraid I won't be well prepared for grad school. I've only had nonrelativistic Quantum, AP E/M and mechanics. I'm also getting a BS in Chemistry and BA in Math. But I still have to take complex variables.</p>
<p>I've been doing research in EPP w/ someone here. </p>
<p>I'm not sure if I should transfer to tech for 2 years, and apply to grad school after majoring in physics. Or get my degrees from UVa, and then apply to grad school with just a BA in physics. </p>
<p>If I transfer, at the most, I would just loose my BS in chemistry. Because I'd like to get Physics/Math double at tech. </p>
<p>I guess my main reasons are: 1. to be better prepare for physics grad school, 2. to experience undergrad at caltech. </p>
<p>Let me know what you think!</p>
<p>Thank so much,
Liz</p>