<p>I am currently a student at one of the largest state universities in the country and was hoping to transfer to a better school. I am interested in applying to Duke, UCLA, and other lower end Ivy-league schools. I understand that I am facing daunting odds, but was still wondering what I can do to present a unique case to the admissions staff. I have joined clubs at the university, but I am looking for something to differentiate myself from other applicants. Does anyone have any idea of what I can do?</p>
<p>bump…</p>
<p>Have you looked at the requirements? For example, UCLA requires certain requirements such as Junior standing and specific prerequisites that must be taken before transferring. I would look over the links below to see the general requirements and the specific prep course work.</p>
<p>[Transfer[/url</a>]</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/Adm_tr/tradms.htm]Transfer”>http://www.admissions.ucla.edu/prospect/Adm_tr/tradms.htm]Transfer</a> Admission Guide - UCLA Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer/index.html]Transfer[/url”>http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/transfer/index.html)</p>
<p>Ivy’s do as well.</p>
<p>You might want to wait to transfer in the second year. Applying your first year means that schools will only have one semester to judge your college record. No one is going to do this therefore a lot of emphasis will be placed on your HS GPA, standardized scores, recs, ect. Essentially it’s like applying as a HS Senior all over again. However, applying your Sophomore year gives you the ability to demonstrate 3 semesters of grades. Though you still have to submit your high HS grades and scores, a lot more emphasis will be placed on your college record as opposed to your HS one.</p>
<p>I would concentrate on your GPA, prerequisites, a few strong extra curricular activities that hold weight, a few good letter of recommendations, and a well thought out reason or reasons for transferring and how school X would be the best school to accomplish your goals. If you can do this, then you have done your best to make the strongest possible application for admission.</p>
<p>Some examples of strong curricular activities are:</p>
<p>Majoring in Journalism? Then it would be beneficial to have an internship or some experience writing for a newspaper.</p>
<p>Majoring in Music? Giving free guitar lessons as community service or interning at a music studio.</p>
<p>Majoring in Business? Possibly interning at a local bank or having a job where you must demonstrate business skills.</p>
<p>The list can go on, but I hope you see where I am going. Volunteering at a local food bank or shelter is great but it will not help you achieve the goal of being a journalist or whatever your major/profession might be. A newspaper internship will help you more. I remember once seeing an admission officer saying they wanted to see how you were going about of fulfilling your dream or aspirations.</p>