“And I was just asked previously why I want to attend, not what I would contribute to the school. Not sure why I am being penalized for not answering a question I wasn’t asked.”
I will be specifically addressing the Stanford policy, that I’m familiar with, because my husband conducts alumni interviews for Stanford.
I’m assuming it’s similar at the other Ivies that you selected.
When you fill out a Stanford transfer application, you will be asked, more or less, what you’re bringing to the school. Not trying to “penalize” you, (you asked a “chance me” thread) but transfer applicants are expected to bring something more specific.
If you had previously applied to Stanford, and were rejected, then your application needs to include specific enhancements that will enhance your previous application and attract the eye of an admissions committee.
If you are coming in as a previous journalism major, with a change of major to environmental policy, then that might be “suspect” in the eyes of an admissions committee, because it would look, to them, as though you are changing major to try to gain admission.
I also agree that your chances are poor given your current list of elite universities, limited hooks (URM, athlete, legacy, etc.) and their limited rates of acceptance for transfers.
Also, I don’t know what your budget is, but transfers don’t necessarily get great financial aid. Many are full fees. Need based aid is based on what the schools think you should pay, not what you think you need. The financial aid offices tend to reserve their best dollars for entering freshmen who they are trying to entice with scholarships.