<p>I'm currently a freshman at UC - Berkeley and I just ended the year with a 3.8~ GPA. I'm also on the Pre-Haas track. UC-Berkeley/Haas does well in regional recruiting. but it's no Harvard/Wharton. I'm wondering if its worth the effort to try and transfer to a higher target or just stay put if I want an ibanking offer. By higher tier I mean places like UPenn/Wharton, Stern, Columbia, Stanford, and etc. Maybe the bigger question is: am I even eligible to transfer to one of these schools with a 3.8 GPA?</p>
<p>It doesn’t take much effort to apply for transfer – go for it. Whether or not you should transfer needs to come from within. Are you set on working for a top BB in NY? If so, you probably want to try to get into one of the aforementioned schools.</p>
<p>What are the standards to transfer to some of these schools? If I maintain or bump my GPA up a bit (maybe .5), will I have a decent chance of transferring?</p>
<p>3.8 is very competitive GPA, you should be okay on that front… 3.85 is obviously better, but marginal imo…</p>
<p>Get a 3.8 from Haas and you’ll be fine. I don’t think Stern, Columbia, or Stanford are huge steps up from Haas.</p>
<p>I agree with the above posters. A 3.8 is absolutely competitive, but whether you need to or should transfer is really subjective. If, for example, you are set on working NYC and getting into the best BB or elite boutiques, then transferring to H/W/P will definitely help you on your path. If, however, you are interested in staying in CA or just want to be in a good IBank or like the Tech space of IB, Berkley is definitely a great place to be. </p>
<p>Finally, as another poster mentioned, if you are considering making a move, just apply - if you get in, then great, you’ve got a very nice decision on your hands - if not, no harm done at all. If you are going to apply, I would recommend H/W/P and if you want to work in NYC, Columbia. I would probably leave off the rest.</p>
<p>PM me if you have any other questions and good luck.</p>