<p>During HS: I had a 3.2 GPA (unweighted), (3.3 weighted). 31 ACT score. Very good extra-currics, service, etc.</p>
<p>Currently: I am at Michigan State University, but I want to transfer. I have a 4.0 GPA through a year an a half, and again have very good extracurrics, service, etc.</p>
<p>Advice? Where would I realistically be able to transfer to?</p>
<p>Great work on your college GPA, that's amazing!</p>
<p>I think you stand a good shot at many top tier universities, seeing as you would be transferring in junior standing, which means your high school record would be of less importance.</p>
<p>Which schools do you have in mind? What do you want to study?</p>
<p>Applying as an incoming junior means your pre-college record is basically going to be ignored. As such, provided you're not taking all fluff classes, and instead have a real courseload, you would have a shot at most selective universities. Of course, having strong letters of recommendation will also matter.</p>
<p>Could I get into Columbia? I would love to go there or Penn. I realize that they are very hard to get into as a transfer, and that they are tough for even the top students. My major in economics.</p>
<p>But I would really like to transfer to UPenn (college not Wharton), Columbia, UChicago, Dartmouth, Northwestern, Georgetown. (probably in that or near order)
(would MIT or Duke be too hard?)</p>
<p>Any suggestions? Advice? You have no idea how much I appreciate this. Thanks again!</p>
<p>If you have good recommendations, you are certainly a possible for those schools. Of course, they are mostly extremely difficult to get in to.... so, if you would be satisfied to stay at MichState if you're not successful, then go for it with your current list. If MichState is not an acceptable safety for you, then you need some safer schools.</p>
<p>Be sure to tailor your "why xxx school" essays carefully to each school; showing specifics about why they fit you and you fit them. </p>
<p>Good luck.</p>
<p>As per Penn, applying CAS over Wharton is definitely to you advantage, as entry to said school is less in demand, and average starts are, I believe, lower. Of course, even then, there are multiple qualified students for every spot, so it is a toss up at best. Apply, since you're statistically qualified, but expect to be rejected, just based on statistics.</p>
<p>Remember that schools like Columbia and Chicago are based on the Great Books curriculum, and have extensive general education requirements. That can, and often does, translate to lengthy, costly additions to your degree. In other words, you might not graduate on time, costing you in a big way. But if you're okay with it, go ahead and apply.</p>
<p>One last piece of advice with you major is to look at the program details. Econ can be either focused on the quantitative or theoretical side. Made sure you apply to programs whose dispositions matches your skills and strengths. In other words, know how gifted you are with respect to math, how interested you are in it, and the extent to which it shapes the major at a given school. This can make a big difference in terms of both style and your gpa.</p>
<p>Thanks guys. I think my classes will transfer pretty good. I am aware that I may have to stay another year. Could I perhaps take summer classes or something to make up for the loss in transfer? If not, I heard from someone that staying an extra year could actual be very beneficial and a good experience.</p>
<p>I'll remember to look into program details and econ programs. Any other recommendations? Advice?</p>
<p>Golly, is money totally no object? Don't see any mention above of costs.</p>
<p>The money issue is an important one. It is certainly possible to do summer work (for most schools) to make up for any credit losses due to transfer or credit needs due to different requirements. Sometimes summer classes at the school itself, sometimes online from the school, sometimes can be at another university. This can be a cheaper way to get the credits, but still costs.</p>
<p>The money issue can be a factor for those reasons and just in general, as financial aid is sometimes less generous to much less generous for transfers. You need to check that for each individual school.</p>
<p>Michigan State tuition = $8400
Penn tuition = $35,900</p>
<p>It's still cheaper than if I entered there as a freshman. I figured I would deal with the money situation myself.</p>