What does it take to get into top schools as a transfer student?

Transfer Students
1

Hello!

I want to know what matters the most to these colleges and what are the standards to get in. Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Northwestern, Cornell, and Tufts are the schools I’d consider transferring to. I know I might end up not getting into any of them and in that case the college I’m going to this Fall would still serve my purposes. There are some academic offerings I’m interested in that my current school doesn’t have, though, so that would be my reason for transferring, and this school is my only option this semester.

College GPA is probably the biggest factor since I would apply after my first semester in college. But what is “the norm” for these colleges? Obviously a 4.0 would maximize my chances, but is a 3.7 still doable? What is the minimum GPA you’d say is needed to be competitive?
What about SAT scores? I have a 2030. Is that going to damage my app a lot?
Do HS extracurriculars matter? Because I really didn’t do a lot, but would like to really stand out in college. What types of activities do they value the most? Specially things I can do in one semester.

Please don’t discuss whether I should transfer or not, or anything like that. I’m not dead set on transferring just want to know this info.

Thanks!

2

Chances of successful transfer would be lower than if you had applied as a freshman. Also, financial aid for transfers is less generous than for freshmen admits.

3

I’m sure about that. What about the specific questions I asked?

4

Transferring is hard, and transferring after one semester is even harder. I applied in the middle of my freshman year, and was accepted as a sophomore.
Your SAT is low, but it doesn’t matter that much.
What I believe really matters are your essays. I may be posting a more thorough tips page in a little bit.

5

“There are some academic offerings I’m interested in that my current school doesn’t have, though, so that would be my reason for transferring, and this school is my only option this semester.”

Why is this your only option this semester?

If you really don’t like the place, take a gap year, raise your SAT score if you feel like, and apply to the places where you really do want to study.

6

If you were choosing UC Berkeley or UCLA, and went to a Calif CC, you’re chances would be way better than applying as a freshman. Astronomically better.

Even going to an OOS CC puts you in a better position than the others you listed.

7

Stapling a $100 bill to my application seemed to work for me.