Transfering from Berkeley to Stanford?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I also posted in the stanford forum, sorry for the repost, any comments are welcomed, thanks. </p>

<p>Hey All,</p>

<p>I have been at Berkeley for a year and a half, and I feel that there is something missing about the entire experience. I believe I would be happier and more productive at a smaller school, preferably in CA, but far from LA, my hometown. I would like to be at a smaller school for smaller classes, 4 years of housing, more professor interaction, and a more supportive student body. School is school, but I rather be at a small school and know a smaller community. Berkeley is too big for me and I fill like I do not it in and have no real friendships since coming here. I was waitlisted to stanfords engineering program and choose to do architecture at Berkeley. Architecture lead to civil engineering into economics, my current major. I would like to study economics and architectural design ( cee major ) at Stanford, but economics by itself is great. </p>

<p>My stats:</p>

<p>Berkeley gpa: 3.6
EC: tutoring and outreach to HS youths
work: Anchor Blue, Clark Construction intern
scholarships: 2 architecture scholarships, and many other small ones
HS gpa: 4.0+
APs: 9 ( scores all 4 )
Rank: 14/759
HS ECs: mock trial, engineering programs, business programs (usc and ucla ), architecture programs</p>

<p>I think I have a decend shot at Stanfords new Arch Design Program because I can get good rec letters from Berkeleys Arch profs, and I am very passionate about both economics and architecture. I would send in a portfolio of my architecture work. One of my drawings made it to the graduation commencement. Also, Is econ a hard major to get into stanford as a transfer? </p>

<p>My SATs arent perfect, but I think I show a lot of interest and knowledge when it comes to architecture and economics, and I consider myself more well-rounded than certified genius, actually, Im far from it. </p>

<p>My top four acceptances were: Brown, Columbia, UCLA, and Berkeley. All great schools, but I feel like I belong in a smaller community and I want to know people more intimately. I just haven't found the school and people that i wanted to meet in Berkeley. </p>

<p>Do I have a shot and what can I do to improve my chances? Any and all comments are appreciated, thanks.</p>

2

<p>Have you checked out Pomona? I heard Stanford has a pretty impersonal feel to it also.</p>

3

<p>I'd think architecture could be your ticket, especially if they are just starting a program. Economics will be a large major -- most universities are swamped by the number of students who want to major in econ -- so they have no incentive to add more. I'd emphasize your architecture interests and skills, and explain why Stanford's new program suits your long term goals better.</p>

<p>Have you also thought of re-applying to Brown? They are pretty transfer friendly, have already admitted you once, and presumbably would let you take RISD classes. It might be an easier place for you to find the community you're seeking.</p>

<p>I agree with the suggestion about Pomona. For econ, you might also check out Claremont-McKenna.</p>

4

<p>A 3.6 at Berkeley is impressive. I agree with sac in that you could use architecture as your hook for the essays. Your stats seem as though this could be a realistic transfer. Keep us posted.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the comments. I definitely think my hook is the new Architectural Design Program at stanford. They started it this year, and its the perfect combo of civil engineering and architecture, and I believe I have a strong architectural portfolio that can show my drawing and drafting skills off. And I guess if I do not get into the econ major at stanford, I could just take econ classes? thanks, more comments are welcomed.</p>