Transferring to BU/Northeastern. Help?

Hey everyone,

 I'm currently a freshman at Iowa State studying Mechanical Engineering. I want to transfer to a Boston school next year and my two top choices are Northeastern and Boston University. 

 My question is simple: What does it take to get in? 

My info:

ACT = 27 (probably re-taking)
no GPA yet, but predicting a 3.6
in a Pre-Calc class this semester, taking Calc I next semester.
I am an Eagle Scout, in ISU's most select choir, and am on ISU's Formula team. (along with with misc. high school accomplishments)

One thing that makes me unique is that my Dad works for Caterpillar, and I’ve lived in various places around the States, Canada, and a few years in Japan though middle school. After coming back to the states in 8th grade, I was very involved in Choir, Theatre, and Track & Field until I graduated from a school in Wisconsin last year.

What can I do to strengthen my application for next fall? I would love to hear form people who have successfully transferred and what their thoughts are/what their apps looked like. I would want to transfer into the College of Engineering. Willing to provide more info if needed. Thanks!

You should absolutely raise that ACT – Data shows that with anything lower than 29, your chances of acceptance are low. In Engineering, 30 is in the lowest 25th percentile.

http://www.collegesimply.com/colleges/massachusetts/northeastern-university/admission/
http://university.graduateshotline.com/northeastern_university.html#.VgCAhSgViko

thank you!