What do people think is needed for transferring to a school like UPenn/Northwestern?

Transfer Students
1

Just curious on what people think would get them to stand a good chance e.g. 20-30% for an Ivy Transfer. For example, would the following:

  1. High Grades (3.9+/4.0) in a notoriously difficult major e.g. Applied Physics/Engineering
  2. High Test Scores (1530+/1600 or 34+/36)
  3. Strong Essays
  4. Involved and meaningful, but not outstanding extracurriculars

be enough for one to stand a good chance for transferring?

2

Ivy transfer rates are so low that there is nothing that would make it be a 20-30% ‘chance’. 1,2 & 3 are obviously really important, but you also need a good reason for the transfer (for many of them, a specific academic reason).

3

the majority of those applying have 1,2, & 3 already – something unique in pool 4 is what will truly boost your odds

4

And by “boost your odds” they mean go from 0.1% to 3-5%.
In addition, you stand better chances if you are working toward a rare subject only that college offers (preferably less enrolled than others) - for instance, you took all
Classics, Ancient Greek, and Latin classes your current college offers but want to major in Late Antiquity Greek World and apply to an Ivy that has a good reputation for its Alexandrian period research.
Physics or engineering are too common and most colleges offer those, not to mention the spots in these majors are probably all taken (faculty is limited).
Why are you asking?