Transferring to an elite private

Transfer Students
1

<p>First off, this is written by an overly ambitious HS senior, so feel free to mock me, lol.</p>

<p>Next year I'll be enrolling in UC Berkeley CoE as a bioeng major (though I'm probably gonna change my major to another eng, but w/e, not important atm; possibly with business/econ as well) which, considering Cal's rankings, isn't something to be complaining about. However, from what I've heard from my friends at both Cal and at elite private schools, it seems that there's a huge gap between Cal and the others in terms of general academic experience. I mean I've heard a lot about Cal's social life but given that I really don't care about that, it isn't really a plus for me at all. I'm definitely excited to go but I think there's a lot to be wished for in terms of individual attention and quality of academic instruction.</p>

<p>Obviously right now I have no idea whether or not I'll like it, since I've only visited once, but I'm definitely thinking about it. I have a solid HS transcript (4.0/4.7) in the top 1% of my school and I am hoping for a relatively decent one in college too (My school had 8-9 HYPSM admits last year from the top 1-2%, but it changed administrations this year, which I think kinda screwed us over. Everyone was rejected/WLed at HYPSM, including myself, and the only Ivy admit was at Cornell). I was admitted early as a Regents candidate so in context of Cal, I know I'm a fairly solid applicant.</p>

<p>I'm aware that transfer admission to either of those schools is even more of a crapshoot than it is for freshman, but I'm curious: If I do choose to apply as a transfer (which I would consider doing after freshman year) to a school like Stanford or MIT - probably the only ones I would apply to anyway, if I can tolerate Cal enough or at least enjoy it a little - would the fact that I'm coming from Cal CoE hold weight in the process? Given that I do well at Cal, do I at least have a decent shot or is it just a futile attempt at passing the 2%?</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>There’s no harm in trying to transfer out, but you’re not even there yet, and if you go with that thought in mind you will undoubtedly hate Berkeley. Give it a change first, and if you really don’t like it in January, then you should write up your apps.</p>

3

<p>I’m not familiar with Cal CoE, but I think you would have some chance of getting into Stanford of MIT if you get very good grades your first semester (read 4.0 if at all possible, otherwise 3.8+) and could make a convincing case for why MIT or Stanford would let you achieve your academic goals while Berkeley could not. It would be very cool if you could do some research with a professor. You’re probably sufficiently academically qualified for Stanford or MIT if you keep up your success, but you need more than that to transfer into either. Regardless, Stanford is certainly a crapshoot and MIT will be tough as heck (I hear their acceptance rate is about 10%). Like moonman said, try to enjoy Berkeley and take advantage of the opportunities you’ll have there. Good luck!</p>

4

<p>More power to you for trying to get to the best school you can; however, I would do anything to get accepted to Berkeley. You should be happy you got in. Berkeley is one of the top schools in the country.</p>