Is it true that it is easier to be accepted into a college if you transfer rather than apply to be a freshman?

Question

I am currently attending a university for my freshman year of college. I am interested in transferring to UC San Diego. Someone recently told me that it is supposedly easier to be accepted as a transfer student than an incoming freshman. In addition I was told that because I live in Pittsburgh, I may be more favorably looked upon because most students at UCSD are from California, not Pennsylvania.

I'm sure this all sounds ridiculous, because it sounds the same way to me. I was just wondering if anyone can clear up these rumors. Does anyone know of any truth to these? Cite your sources if applicable.

Answer 1

I'm doing the exact same thing. I'm planning on transfering from Sacramento City College in California to UC San Diego in the fall of 2009. I've spoken to my couselor alot on this subject.
It is easier to get into a four year university if you transfer, BUT it's harder if you don't live in the state of California. UC and USC in California DO give preference to students transfering from California City Colleges. You being from Pittsburgh might make this a little harder.

Also make sure you look on the UC San Diego website to make sure all of your units will be transferable from your City College. Make sure you sign a TAG agreement. This will guarentee your addmission if you fill all your requirements.
Here's the link
https://tritonlink.ucsd.edu/portal/site/prospective-students/menuitem.24134797e5e2fd95a0b86710514b01ca?storyID=20885

Another thing, my city college had a transfer day today and I spoke with a representative. She told me that the college looks more at your GPA than your personal statement.

If you have anymore questions please feel free to e-mail me.


Ashley

Answer 2

I am in the UK, but if it is similar to here then it may appear to be easier to transfer because when you are applying to be a freshman you are competing against hundreds of other people for limited spaces. When you transfer you have already been through that process and, the university you are applying to may have had a number of drop outs, which leaves a vacancy that can only be filled by someone who has already started and is at the appropriate level. There are fewer transfers than new applications.

As for the other - sorry dont know! It may be an equal ops thing.

Answer 3

Generally speaking, the requirements for transfer admission are easier than for freshman admission. If you have performed well (have a good GPA), then being admitted as a transfer at most schools requires only your college transcripts and doesn't consider your HS record or your SAT/ACT scores.

It's also easier to gain admission if you're over 25.

Many schools don't limit the number of transfer admissions because the transfer students are simply replacing freshmen that failed out. Some few schools though don't do transfers at all.

Answer 4

Yes, in order to use federal aid you will have to get your GED if you do not have HS Diploma. because you are only 19, it might be possible for you to go back to HS & get your Diploma. Going back to HS will be cheaper than getting GED. If you were within a year of graduation, it would certainly be worth asking your local high school about FAFSA is the application for federal aid... again without a GED or HS Diploma, you will be eligible some community colleges have GED classes.... but they don't pay the price for you to take your GED & only some GED prep classes are free (many that used to be aren't anymore due to budget cuts) most uni's will not accept you with a GED. you would have to go to community college first & then transfer to uni --- and, yes, it is much cheaper to go to community college first... commuting (living at home) is also much cheaper than dorming FAFSA generated fin aid is the same amount regardless of cost difference of cc vs uni.. even when you consider the increase in tuition & cost of dorming.. FAFSA generated funding still does not increase I hope you already know that to get into counseling you will have to get your master's degree... this can be a problem for students who do not get scholarships or other funding to make uni essentially "free" if you do extremely well (literally, like 3.8 or better GPA) in community college, then you might land transfer scholarship to uni Start by getting your HS diploma or your GED & work it out from there EDIT TO ADD: Kat is correct in that prior to 2012 you used to be allowed to use Fin Aid if you could pass able-to-benefit tests.... the federal government changed this & FAFSA generated funding (inluding grants & student loans) now requires a HS Diploma or a GED

Answer 5

I have not heard of this, but I doubt it. I think that it all comes down to your GPA, whether it'd be in HS or college.