Transferring to east coast schools from CA

<p>I'm currently a freshman at the University of Redlands in Southern California. I went to high school in CT, and when my mom moved out to CA I decided to try going to college out here to see what it was like. Though I've enjoyed my time here I realized that I like the East Coast better, and I am strongly considering transferring to a school there next year. I got a 3.9 last semester and I'm fairly certain I can earn a similar grade this semester, maybe a few points lower. My high school grades, however, are rather abysmal- I think I had around a 2.9 and an 1890 on my SATs. With that in mind, what east schools would be within my target range if I decided to transfer? Would I have a chance of getting into schools such as BU, BC, and Northeastern, or would that be a bit optimistic considering my high school credentials? If so, what other schools do you recommend I look into?
Thanks!</p>

<p>Many colleges do not care what your HS grades were if you are transferring from an established university and have decent grades like a 3.9 GPA. University of Redlands is a well known regional liberal arts school and should get some respect back East, or one would hope so. The issue is how many classes will the new school accept. Be prepared to lose some time as you may have to retake some classes and learn a new environment. You might do well to finish where you are and do grad school back East if you are considering doing a masters later on.</p>

<p>with a high GPA you will definitely be competitive at those schools for transfers. However, as BC yield has increased over the past few years, the number of transfers that they accept has declined – just less space available in the dorms.</p>

<p>Also, expect to pay full price, since transfers don’t usually receive merit money. OTOH, BC does offer need-based aid.</p>

<p>With that GPA, I’d also throw in a transfer app to Cornell, which is transfer friendly. Sure its a reach, but why not?</p>

<p>Look at the Common Data Set (section D) for the schools in which you are interested. With only one year of college under your belt some schools will want to include your HS info for admission.</p>

<p>Would I be able to receive merit money after a year of attendance? I certainly would not be able to pay full price at any of those schools, my family is in the low-income bracket and I would have to take out huge amounts of loans.</p>

<p>^^^</p>

<p>Probably not. Merit aid is mostly given to incoming frosh. Merit to continuing students is usually for SMALL amounts and not given to many students. </p>

<p>how are you paying for Redlands.</p>

<p>Do NOT cut ties with Redlands until you’ve seen the FA pkgs of any other schools.</p>

<p>YOU can’t borrow much… and if your family is low income, they can’t co-sign more loans.</p>

<p>Yeah I don’t plan on making a decision until I see how much financial aid would be offered at other schools. Are BU/BC/Northeastern known for giving generous amounts of need-based grants? If not, what other schools do you recommend I look into?</p>

<p>If you are low income Google the colleges which meet full need. Unfortunately they also tend to be the most competitive for entrance.</p>