Hello,
I am currently in my second semester at UC Berkeley and I would like to transfer into a private school. I was hoping to get advice on which schools would be a good fit for me, and which schools I would also have a decent shot at getting in.
Background info:
I took CS10 (the Beauty and Joy of Computing) and Math 1A (Calculus I) over the summer semester and received an A and a B respectively. This makes my first semester GPA a 3.5.
This semester, I’m taking CS 61A (the Structure and Interpretation of Computer Programs), E7 (Introduction to Computer Programming for Scientists and Engineers), and Math 1B (Calculus II). I currently have an A in CS61A and an A+ in E7. However, I am concerned about my Math 1B grade, and depending on the curve, I may get a C or below. This class is notoriously difficult and I have heard that many people fail it.
Next semester, I plan to take Linear Algebra, the Data Structures CS class, and a couple breadth classes.
I received a 34 on the ACT, 5s on the English Literature & Human Geo AP exams, 4s on APES, Macroecon, and Microecon, and a 3 on Calculus BC. I never took any SAT IIs, but I have registered for the December tests and will take Math II and US History. I was on the Head of School’s List and Honor Roll at my boarding school for each semester I was there.
When I applied as a freshman, I was admitted to USC and Emory/Oxford College and got waitlisted at Brown, Vanderbilt, Rice, and Chicago.
As for extracurriculars, I have not participated much in clubs this year. Many of the clubs I applied to were competitive, and I was not given a place in them (part of the reason I’m not enjoying life at Cal, I suspect - I find this level of competition ridiculous). However, I am currently working with a non-profit organization to develop a documentary. I also hope to apply for internships for the coming summer.
Location is not very important, but I prefer the northeast. I intend to major in CS/Engineering wherever I go and it is important to me that I apply to schools that have a strong CS department. Size-wise, definitely smaller than Berkeley but maybe not a tiny school. Mid-sized schools such a Yale or Hopkins are the perfect size (although perhaps too selective for me). I also prefer urban campuses, or even suburban campuses to rural ones.
Financial aid is also not a big deal, but it would be fantastic. Part of the reason I would like to leave Cal is that despite the fact that I have been a CA resident since elementary school, I am classified as “out-of-state” and have to pay $45,000 a year. I am more comfortable spending this money at a private school than a public school.
Thank you all for reading this! I look forward to getting your advice.