Want to transfer from a state school to a more prestigious school- Advice needed

Transfer Students
1

<p>This is long, so please hear me out. Basically, I am joining a state flagship university in the fall as a freshman. I have good stats, but not impressive, to say the least. I plan on majoring in Actuarial Science. When I got rejected from my top choice, which was expected, I was disappointed. It came down to this state university which I have come to really like, as well.</p>

<p>However, I still have this longing to transfer to a better college, after one or two years, and I don't really have a reason as to why I want to do this. I have no idea how to go about it. I plan on maintaining an excellent gpa and getting as involved as possible. I will definitely apply to Wharton, Columbia, NYU Stern and Michigan. </p>

<p>Sorry to drag this on long, but I really need some advice and guidelines. I have a couple of questions. Have any of you heard of students who did average in high school but excelled in their first/second year of college, and transferred to a much better university? How should I go about this? What will make me stand out among other transfer applicants? Are there any other universities you would recommend for this major? Also, should I apply for the sophomore year or the junior year? I know I am planning too far ahead, but I see it as a big possibility in the future.</p>

<p>Any insight would be extremely helpful. Thank you :)</p>

2

<p>First question: finances. Can you afford full pay at any of the schools you mentioned? Transfer students generally get very little financial aid.</p>

3

<p>Money is not a problem, my parents have the costs covered.</p>

4

<p>Best thing you can do is get the best grades you can in your classes. A high GPA will show your ability to perform in the classroom and unlock transfer doors. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thanks. One more question: As a transfer student, will my high school transcripts and SAT scores matter just as much, or less? How differently do they see transfer students from the students applying normally out of high school?</p>

6

<p>Much less. The SAT is supposed to “predict” how well you would do in college classes. Well, if you show up with a 3.7 college GPA, you don’t really need predictions, do you? :)</p>

7

<p>Well, that makes me feel better. Thanks :)</p>