<p>Stanford is my top choice but I was rejected this year and heading off to a non HYP Ivy. What kind of things can I do to increase my chances at getting in as a transfer? I have read that last year Stanford only took 20 transfers. Any tips? Does it matter what major I apply to as a transfer? And how much does my high school record count?</p>
<p>Not only is it very, very hard to transfer to Stanford, I've heard that it's even less likely for students already at top schools. Typically it's CC transfers.</p>
<p>Not 100% sure how true this is, but it makes sense.</p>
<ul>
<li><p>GOOD reason to transfer. It's actually a big part of the process. (It's a whole different ball game than freshman applications and requires a lot of research. Professor contact, curriculum research, etc...)</p></li>
<li><p>Flawless academic performances. (They like their 4.0)</p></li>
<li><p>IMPORTANT: Academic variety. Take a heavy courseload vary your classes. They want to see that you took a wide breadth of classes during your freshman year. Not just math/engineering/science (assuming thats your path)</p></li>
<li><p>Professor recommendations. Try to see of your school has any Stanford graduates in its faculty. Take a class with them and treat their ass like a candy-coated chocolate bar that smells like Dior.</p></li>
<li><p>They like unique applicants. Not quite sure what that mean but here's my advice: Treat your entire application like a marketing promo framed around the idea of selling yourself. Find out what they want and give it to them. Don't list all your ECs because often some of them are just plain generic.I left out my minimal achievements and debate club because it doesn't really build on anything I do and hardly stands out.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>That should put you in the running.</p>
<p>Of course keep in mind that this is all coming from a guy who will likely get rejected in 5 weeks along with 97% of all other transfer applicants. It's a freaking crapshot. (And I'm international too....oie with the poodles already)</p>
<p>Feel free to join us in the Transfer Forum, there are a lot of resources there for prospective transfers.</p>
<p>I am on the same boat as you my friend. I would say you just have to get lucky, that's what I'm hoping for, because it really is a crapshoot.</p>