Cybernetic

I got into a local state university and even have scholarships, but I want to transfer to a UC (Berkeley, LA, or SD), Cornell, Columbia, or CalTech/MIT (emphasis on reach). My question is not if there is a chance for me getting in (I've read the stickies), but what I need to show the application readers in terms of extracurricular activities.

My selected major is computer science and engineering. I've tried some on-the-side projects with programming and mechanical engineering. I really want to appear like a good transfer applicant, but I'm not fully sure what types of extracurricular activities in college would help me.

Does anyone have recommendations? Ideas?

P.S. I'm still in HS (Senior), but I want to get a head start. I blew off my application like an moron until near the deadlines, so I want to avoid that this time. I'm trying to transfer into the UCs after college freshman year and if I'm not satisfied with the UCs, I will try the Ivies sophomore/junior year.

P.P.S I'm asking for advice, not hate. Please keep the "you should have put in more time" replies to a minimum if possible. I've had to live with my decisions and regret. I get it. Thank you.

DivZero

UC's prefer junior (enter in 3rd year) transfers. Private schools are usually more open to sophomore transfers. I suggest applying to privates your first year at state and then uc's your next one. This depends on the particular school still. You probably want at least one major-related EC (internship, job, research, club, etc.). Don't just settle for being a member or en employee. You need to try for leadership and accomplish actual uh accomplishments.

Also, don't transfer twice. That is just a waste of time and effort (if it even works).

xraymancs

I suggest that you give your initial university an honest try before thinking about transferring. You might find that there is a very good program in your engineering area and that you are well matched to the program. My experience as a faculty member in a school with lots of engineers is that if students do well academically and take advantage of research and other opportunities, they can be quite successful in getting excellent jobs or going to a great graduate program even if their undergraduate institution is not an "elite" one.

matark

If you honestly can't see yourself at your state university, going to it is a waste of time. UCs heavily prefer community colleges (assuming you're in California) over other institutions, and the campuses at Berkeley, Los Angeles, and San Diego do not even accept sophomore transfers.