RedTapePatrol

Stanford's 1.5% transfer acceptance rate is not a reflection of its competitiveness. It is, rather, a representation of the practice of quotas. The number of transfers that are allowed to be accepted are directly related to the number of freshmen admits who transfer elsewhere or drop-out. Stanford uses a variety of different factors when it comes to its consideration for transfer admission, but rest assured that it's not merely based on qualifications.

I do agree, however, that if one was able to be accepted into Stanford, then he/she should have little problem transferring to Cal if so desired. But do take into account that Cal also considers the "need" of such a transfer request. Though unlikely, it's a possibility to be rejected based on the fact that anyone at Stanford is already in possession of all the necessary resources to receive an excellent education, thus negating the actual quantifiable need to transfer.