How hard is it to transfer from UVA to Umich or Berkeley?

Transfer Students
1

I am a senior in high school and I will attend UVA this fall. I didn’t apply to Umich/Cal this year cuz I thought I had zero chance of getting in…my school hasn’t sent anyone to those schools for at least the past 6~7 years.

I like UVA a lot, but I actually think I am more of a Umich or Cal type of student. I heard that it would be easier to transfer into a state university than Ivies? Would I have a better shot if I apply from UVA? What do I need to focus on now to boost my admission chances?

If it doesn’t work out, I will be happy at UVA too. Just hoping to take my last opportunity at college admissions.

2

Not a great strategy to go into a school Freshman year with the plan already to transfer out, for so many reasons. Enjoy UVA, which was your choice, and a fine school.

3

UCs admit transfers at the junior level (not sophomore level), and do not offer need-based financial aid to non-California residents.

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/infocenter/transfers-major gives an idea of transfer admission selectivity at UCs. But note that transfers from California community colleges are prioritized.

4

I see…
Thanks a lot for digging out the data!

5

Why would you want to transfer into what is essentially a peer institution? UVa is exceptional, certainly on par with Cal and Michigan (unless you are considering Engineering/CS as a major). I agree with snarlatron, make yourself at home at UVa and I doubt you will want to transfer out.

6

“I actually think I am more of a Umich or Cal type of student” What does this even mean? I don’t think this is a good enough reason to transfer. UVA is a big enough school that you will be able to find an activity/group of people you relate to, and I would not go in with the intent of transferring.

7

Are you in-state for UVA and paying in-state tuition rates? Are you willing to pay full-price, $60,000-plus cost of attendance at Cal, even if you managed to get accepted as a transfer? Because that’s kind of crazy. (Do you know how many California kids try to get into UVA because it’s such a great school?)

8

You should focus your energies on settling in and doing well at UVA and not on transferring even before you have arrived.

9

I’m a current Cal student, so I’d be happy to answer any questions about Cal if you have any!

Additionally, I feel compelled to include that all of the UCs, including Cal, favor California community college transfer students as opposed to transfer students from other schools. (This probably has to do with their prioritization of in-state students over out-of-state etc). Just something to keep in mind if you’re planning on transferring. But because you have not yet experienced life as a UVA student, I would try to focus on really loving your school; it’s a great one and should open tons of doors :slight_smile:

I also feel that Cal is pretty socially different from UMich, so you might want to look into that too :slight_smile: