How to transfer to the Ivy League

If your college career started off in a different direction than you had hoped, but you still dream of graduating from a top college or university, you can follow these steps to gain admission to the nation's premier colleges and universities.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Should I transfer?
   
   We should first look at who transfers. There are two types of transfers: horizontal, transferring from one four year school to another, and vertical, transferring from a two year school to a four year.
   
   It is a large misconception that people cannot transfer from a junior college or community college to an elite four year university. An elite university and a community college are both just parts of the vertical transfer process. We will be highlighting later ways to make this happen, but for now it is important to realize this process can happen, does happen, and can be prepared for with some basic steps.

2. Find a mentor
   
   A mentor will help guide you through the process. Everyone will need their personal cheerleader in this process, helping them to stay on top of deadlines, helping them with applications and essays, and providing the confidence that you CAN do this. Mentors can be professors, advisors, or people that have done this before.
   
   Good places to look for mentors include your college's advisors for Phi Theta Kappa and websites that specialize in the transfer process at elite schools.

3. The Holy Grail
   
   There are three essential parts to a successful transfer candidate: coursework, grades, and extracurriculars. Having courses that are similar to those in your target institution's curriculum is an essential part your transfer plan. It is important to do as well as you can in these classes, and by "do well" we mean earn the grade - as this is the easiest measure of future success to quantify. Finally, admissions officers want to see your extracurriculars. These activities should include a healthy mix displaying leadership, teamwork, and community service.
   
   Good Luck!

Resources

• www.ivyleaguetransfer.com
• www.ptk.org

[MrBB]

on 12/28/2009 This is good to know. Everyone wants to get the best education.

[ramblin62]

on 11/6/2009 Having a good mentor can make all the difference, in this college transfer choice as well as in life in general. Thanks for these helpful steps to transfering to the ivy league.

[penmom]

on 10/19/2009 Great tips. Mentors and perseverance go a long way!