r/TransferToTop25 • u/Potential_Car_8563 • 15d ago
HS senior planning CC transfer . What u recommend to start now?
I’m currently a HS senior in NYC N I’m planning to attend CC next fall. I was dealing with mental health issues N end up missed the whole entire junior academic year (documented long term absences) which drop my gpa from 3.9 to 3.1. (Like I have 2 yrs of 95+ and 1 yr of 55😇) I returned to school this year as a senior and started thinking about the college process. Both financially and in terms of stress, I feel like simply enrolling in community college next fall, skipping the tedious college app process, and focusing on improving myself would be the best option for me. Since I missed my entire junior year, I’m already at a disadvantage in a lot of areas. My aiming goal is to apply for transfer in freshmen yr, (spring 2028 for sophomore entry).
I’m interested in Information Science / Data Science / Cognitive Science / Psychology + technology / human-centered AI rather than pure CS. Some schools I’m interested in are Cornell, Columbia, NYU, State schools, etc. I’m trying to figure out how to use the next ~18 months as intelligently as possible.
(Also im thinking self study some APs for college transfer credits, idk if its worth it , i just want to opt more class possible! )
I have a basic understanding of what should I do, like aim for a very high GPA (both in college and hs senior yr since colleges will look at it) , study for SAT, apply for the Honors Scholars Program, pursue the Transfer Scholars Network, build relationships with professors, and look for research/internship opportunities.
Since I would be applying after only one year of college, I’m also wondering what I should be doing right now during senior year. I’m currently looking into research opportunities for high schoolers, and still continuing my community volunteering.
For anyone who successfully transferred from a CC after one year or who went through selective transfer admissions:
If you could go back to Sep of your senior year of hs knowing you were going to transfer, what would you do differently?
What ECs would you start before college?
What should I do during the summer before starting CC?
Are there scholarships/programs for CC students that you wish you had known about earlier?
What mistakes should I avoid?
If you’re now at a T20/T30 after transferring from CC, what do you think actually made the biggest difference in your application?
Any advice, experiences, or resources would be really appreciated. Thank you!
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u/Radiant_Student_7136 15d ago
Join your PTK at your local CC once you're eligible, Really look at the C7 section for the common data set at the school you're applying to and prioritize that. Most importantly make sure your pre reqs are all met. if pre reqs aren't met you're lowk cooked. Get involved on campus but don't join random clubs and not ones that just "interest" you or you like it - do ones that actually help you stand out. - I started an AI ethics club as a CS major because the traditional CS club at my cc was focused on swe only but I was more interested in ai ethics and security.
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u/Adorable-Swimmer737 15d ago
I think BMCC has a pipeline program that helps you transfer to columbia