My high school GPA up to my senior is quite low due to a slump in my sophomore year–aside from the latter year, my SAT is okay (2190), and my GPA had been in the low 4’s weighted. What do you think of the approach of applying to a less demanding college, attaining a high GPA, and then transferring to a more prestigious college? If possible, can you please suggest some of the renown colleges that are lenient and suitable for transfers?
Your stats, as far as you’ve stated them, are competitive enough to get you into good universities. My sense is that applying to college with the “intent” of transferring after a year or two is typically not a wise approach. For one it means that you’re likely to be much less enthusiastic than most new students about whatever college that you attend for your freshman year because you’ll see it a “way station” for the transfer college. And from a practical point of view the “more prestigious colleges” typically are much more selective for transfers than for first year students. Often they take very few transfers. The transfer process would require stellar grades, recommendations from professors at your first college, etc. Attaining that high GPA may not be as easy to do as you may assume.
agree with everything @fogcity said, its what I was about to say
Well the thing is my low GPA in my sophomore year dropped my cumulative GPA to a 3.79weighted
A 3.79 GPA and a 2190 SAT will make you competitive for plenty of colleges. And in addition to the problems pointed out in post #1, transfer students often get worse financial aid. I think it would make more sense to figure out what you really want out of a college, and then look for schools within your range that meet your standards.
You’ve discovered that your GPA puts out reach a handful of schools. 85% of US colleges would crap themselves to have you apply and attend their schools. Focus on them and have a blast. This chasing after “more prestigious” school is really a lot of nothing. Been there, done that. You look like you’ll have a tremendously successful college career. Congrats. Glass half full – not half empty. So what if Caltech or Stanford isn’t emblazoned on your diploma one day? The earth’s not gonna split open because of that.
I would apply to colleges that are fits for your current stats and attend with the intention of staying there four years. You should be able to get into many fine schools. IMO if you to to a school with the intention of transferring then you will never give the school a fair chance as it will be hard to get invested in friends and activities where you are. If you end up staying there you will make yourself miserable.
When you are at your school, see how things play out. Transferring can work out for some but there are difficulties in that process some of which include: 1) transfer students rarely get merit aid 2) top schools take few transfer students 3) you may lose credits in a transfer 4) transferring can be difficult socially as most people at the school you will transfer to have strong friend groups already in place.
Your stats mean that some places would guarantee you not just admission, but also a true free ride. Not the names you might be dreaming of right now, but much much easier on the pocketbook! Take a look here: http://automaticfulltuition.yolasite.com/
Also remember that colleges are the most interested in how you are doing in your Junior/Senior year…when you are taking the most challenging classes. So if you are doing well now that is to your advantage.
Downsides to thinking of transferring ahead of time:
- You are not as invested in your first school and don’t get involved in clubs/activities
- You are unlikely to get any scholarships as a transfer vs. being a freshman
- You will have to make new friends as a junior
- You may be disappointed in the level of student interest in academics in the first college
- All your credits may not transfer or you may have to take more classes to meet requirements
- You will lose any relationships you have with professors