- I’d check the common data set for transfer acceptance percentages at each school.
- Confirm the engineering curriculum and transfer requirements, that the schools accept engineering transfer students who have not started freshman year as engineering students.
For example from ND:
College of Engineering Transfer Requirements
Applicants planning to transfer into the College of Engineering must apply to a specific major within the College of Engineering. Once a transfer student has been successfully admitted to the College and a major, changes to a student’s major are not typically granted.
The following majors are traditionally not open to transfer students:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Computer Science
In addition to making progress in the University’s Core Curriculum, the College of Engineering requires the following courses be completed in the first year of coursework:*
- Calculus I
- Calculus II
- Chemistry I (with lab)
- Calculus-based Physics I (with lab)
- English Composition
*Credit by examination can be used to satisfy some of these requirements based on Notre Dame’s advanced credit and placement policies.
Students in the College of Engineering take two Introduction to Engineering courses during their first year. Two rigorous technical electives can replace this requirement.
Please see below for additional requirements:
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Environmental Earth Sciences intents: Chemistry II (a lab is not required)
- Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering intents: rigorous science technical elective (does not have to include a lab)
For more information about the individual departments within the College of Engineering, please refer to the College’s list of majors and programs.
Students who have completed first-year coursework that closely mirrors Notre Dame’s first-year coursework will be more competitive in the transfer admissions process. Please be aware that the College of Engineering does not favor substituting sophomore courses for those required in the first year.
3 Any FA requirements? Transfer students don’t always receive as much FA and needing it can affect acceptance chances.
As far as chances, Vanderbilt has a fairly large transfer class. Not sure how state schools like GT and UT Austin treat transfers who are OOS.
If you’re set on transferring I’d expand your list a bit. There are many excellent engineering schools that have higher transfer acceptances rates. You have a good reason for transferring which is a plus. What you need to explain is why each specific school’s engineering school is a fit for you.
Good luck!