I have an unweighted GPA of 3.6 and ACT score of 35. When applying to colleges, I declared to be an economics major. I
I think it was a big mistake. I should have applied undeclared since most schools do not admit students directly to Economics. My Math grades were not all As but I did well in Applied Math and Calculus. I got accepted to a UC ( in state) and another 4 year public university out of state. The in state university is not where I want to go ( I shall probably be transferring after 2 years) and the out of state one will be a big financial burden ($52k a year) for my family if I were to go. I like to find out if admissions officers at Ivy League look more favorably for students transferring from a 4 year college (non Ivy and public) over those from two year community colleges.
Some of the UCs have good economics programs with math emphasis. Why not go there and graduate from there?
You’re mistaken here. Declaring economics, a common major but not overly subscribed had zero to do with your being rejected. Your seeking eventual transfer hinges on what those schools can offer you in terms of study that your current school doesn’t. Everyone has economics and finance. You’ll get no where with that and the odds of being accepted are about 1-2%. You really want to hang your hat on those odds?
My best advice for you: Put the Ivy dream away and focus on having a great experience at your local uni.
Reading between the lines my guess is you applied to Ivy’s and were rejected?
Also there were UCs that you wanted and didn’t get into?
IIRC the only Ivy which takes any appreciable number of transfers is Cornell, and that would be for in-state CCs since some of their colleges are part of the State U system. Overall the chance of getting into an Ivy as a transfer is lower than as a freshman. And they do look at the HS record, too. In summary, go where you would be happy and can afford. If that’s not on your current list look at a gap year, or attend a CCC and transfer into a UC later.