<p>Hi CC members,
First, I'm not asking for any 'chance' for transfer. I hope to gain a sense of which schools to shoot for, and what to expect because I do not wish to waste my money and efforts on schools where I stand no chance.</p>
<p>I'm an incoming freshman at UCLA for fall 2013. I'm planning to apply transfer for top 15 schools in next spring. I was hoping to double major economics and another social science major but UCLA apparently doesn't offer the latter major just recently. My brief stats are SAT1 2240 (740/760/740) 2 SAT2s (790,780) 11APs with about 3.9 UW GPA. I only took these tests once so there isn't any risk of being deemed as a score-obsessed Asian. I'm optimistic about first two college semesters in terms of getting 4.0 GPA since English course is not mandatory. (got 5 in AP Eng and English has been the only B course in high school). </p>
<p>I could only apply to few top 15 schools for freshman admission due to my high school counselor's strict restriction, and the fact I couldn't apply to universities I wanted left me much to be desired. I have very concrete dreams (or carriers) I wish to pursue and from various consultants I've talked to, I realized, of the small number of students studying at U.S universities from my country who successfully pursue their carriers in U.S (I'm an international), the vast majorities are graduates from top 15 schools.</p>
<p>Supposing I get fantastic grades at first two semesters of 4.0, which schools would it be worth applying to? I'm confident in writing solid essays unlike freshman admission's when I failed to offer my unique characteristics. I'm aware schools like Harvard, Yale, Stanford, and Duke are just too unlikely but I wonder, if acceptance rates are so low for these schools because simply there are too many applicants, or admitted students somehow are rocket scientists with some magical extracurricular accomplishments? If they are mere crapshoots among 4.0s with passionate activities and essay, I may as well apply. But if the level of admitted students are just too accomplished than me, I'll probably not waste my resources.</p>
<p>I'm currently thinking of Yale, Chicago (the ultimate lotteries), Columbia, UPenn, Brown, Northwestern, Johns Hopkins and Cornell (still very competitive). Are there any other schools you can give me advice or tips? Your input would greatly be appreciated!</p>
<p>With your stats, given that you can maintain a 3.8+ in college, you will be competitive transferring to any top 15 school.</p>
<p>Remember that for international students its even more difficult, especially if you need financial aid. </p>
<p>Your essays will matter a lot too, and whether or not you can put forward convincing/mature arguments as to why you wish to transfer. Hint: saying that “I want to go to a prestigious top 15 school” is NOT a good idea. You need REAL reasons.</p>
<p>All this being said, Top 15 schools have acceptance rates of 5-15%, so there is no guarantee.</p>
<p>@SMRSMR, really? That is very encouraging! I’m very aware of flaws and needed improvements in my essay after disastrous failure for freshman admission. I did extensive research of all the universities I listed and found good reasons for each individual university. For common app, my main focus would be my pursuit and dream with explanation of the absence of the desired major at UCLA. With some other reasons I may encounter at my first semester at UCLA, I’m confident I can write compelling essays for lot of the universities on my list. Thanks for your input!</p>
<p>oh, and I’ll be applying without financial aid :)</p>
<p>Just out of curiosity, what social science major is it that UCLA does not offer? You seem to suggest you want to transfer into a top 15 school because of the prestige and not necessarily because they have the program that UCLA lacks.</p>
<p>Get the 4.0 and we’ll see. I don’t think there is a high chance of its happening at UCLA.</p>
<p>Well, I didn’t want to reveal the other major because of privacy, but I guess I’ll just post it. I’m planning to double major economics and east Asian studies. UCLA doesn’t offer East Asian Studies for undergrad levels. Of course all prestige, pragmatic and academic factors inevitably come into play. Definitely better environment with smaller classes, better faculties and more opportunities. I know how others condemn those who only seek prestige and I understand, but prestige is not a bad element to have with great programs and environments. If those schools can greatly help me in pursuing my carrier in U.S, I think it’s legitimate.</p>
<p>@333transfer, When you make a claim, please back it up with reasoning or data. I’ve seen quiet a few who successfully transfered to Columbia and Penn (although not Harvard, Yale or Stanford) for last few years and even this year as well. They had 3.8+ GPA in general. Also I saw it happen with peer schools like Carnegie Mellon and USC transferring to Columbia, Penn and Northwestern so your comment sounds cynical to me.</p>