UMich to NYU/Berkeley transfer?

College Search & Selection
1

Hey everyone,

I’m currently at a crossroads with my college education. I just finished my freshman year at the University of Michigan and I applied to the business school but I was rejected. Now, I’m looking to open up my options. I’m really interested in global environmental issues and business sustainability, so I think consulting or something like that would be good for me. I want to study business and/or public policy and possibly international relations. Basically, my options are to:

  1. Stay at UMich and apply to the public policy school, reapply to the business school (if I got accepted I would have to stay another year and I'm paying out of state. I can afford it, but not ideal), or just do an econ/IR double major even though I don't really think that's ideal for me.
  2. Apply to Berkeley and NYU (or other schools if anyone has suggestions) in the hopes of being accepted to their business/public policy schools.

To get an idea of my chances, I’ll list a few of my qualifications:

  1. 3.58 GPA (Got a 3.42 my first semester because calc hurt my GPA but I got a 3.7 second semester and 3 A’s/1 B)
  2. Student athlete (rowing)
  3. Currently interning for a non-profit in DC
  4. Part of a sustainable business club and took a one-credit course that involved auditing my dorm for sustainable energy use
  5. Used to live in Shanghai for four years

I know Berkeley is hard to transfer into because they prioritize CC students, but I would rather go there than NYU I think. I’d just like to know my chances of getting in. Any feedback is welcome, and I’m happy to answer any questions. Thanks!

2

I know quite a few people who went to UM and then didn’t get into Ross. That is why I try to stay away from schools where you have to apply for the program you want after your freshman year. I’d apply to the public policy school there for sure. But if you want business and are going to apply to transfer, I’d think about widening your list of potential schools such as BC, Emory, WashU, Lehigh (unless Berkeley and NYU are the only two options you prefer over staying at MI).

3

If you are worried about the cost of an additional year at Michigan, would you be able to afford NYU? If you are applying to Stern, I imagine that it’s at least as selective, and you might encounter the same obstacles vis-a-vis transferable credits. NYU is legendarily stingy with aid, and I suspect they are even stingier with transfers than they are with freshmen. Berkeley will be a big reach for you academically, as will Stern. NYU CAS is likelier academically, but will be expensive.

4

UMich has a minor in business. Seems like that along with an econ or other degree would help move your career in the right direction. Admissions are selective, also, so I wonder how hard it is to get in.

5

@woogzmama, NYU CAS wouldn’t be any better than UMich LSA, though. All the schools mentioned would be tough to transfer in to (besides maybe Lehigh). May want to try for Kelley (IU) and K-F (UNC) as welll. However, for what you want to do, b-school isn’t required. Definitely apply to PP schools. Getting relevant internships may be more important for you.