I want to transfer to NYU. How likely am I to get in?

I got accepted into NYU the first time around, but I decided not to go because I was offered a pretty crappy financial aid package and I didn't like the sound of taking out so many loans. I opted for the University of Florida instead because students who perform well in high school are pretty much given a full ride to any Florida college they choose.

I'm really enjoying UF, but I'm starting to regret my decision more and more. I feel like I might have passed up a huge opportunity. So my question is, what are my chances of getting into NYU if I apply as a transfer student?

Here's a quick summary of my high school stats:
- ranked 9th out of about 370ish
- 3.75 unweighted GPA/5.1 weighted
- recipient of IB Diploma
- active participant in a number of extra curricular activities
- 1500 SAT (2250 including the writing section)
- 700 in three SAT subject tests (bio, math I, and english).

I'm doing pretty well in college right now, though there's certainly some room for improvement. And does it matter that I've already said no to NYU once before?

I have a 3.3 college GPA. I'm working on doing better, but there's always a chance that a 3.3ish is the best that I can do.

What sort of opportunities do you think you've passed up by choosing UF over NYU? Are you sure? Because a free ride to UF, which is an excellent school, is not something to dismiss unless you are *sure*.

You say you're doing "pretty well in college right now". What exactly do you mean by that? Because you're in college now, your college grades are going to mean a lot more to NYU, or to any other school, than your high school stats will at this point. In other words, they're going to admit you based on how you're doing now, not how you did in HS.

Think through all this before you jump. I especially want you to think about what you think you're missing re: opportunities. Are you actually correct? Are the opportunities you're missing great enough to make up for the increase in tuition costs? Is there something that you can you do at UF to provide yourself with those same sorts of opportunities? Internships. Co-ops. Working with on-campus clubs. Getting involved with a professor's research. Join the honors program. Become a resident assistant. Volunteer for admissions. Take on a leadership role. Things you can do to make your resume jump off the page.

I'm not saying you shouldn't transfer. It's just that 1) UF is a really good school and 2) a full ride is a big big deal. I just want you to do more research, and think more on this before you decide.

STAY AT UF--NYU is like a bajillion dollars a year. I got in too and yea they do give out bad financial aid packages. You are only paying for the name--your better off doing great at UF and then go to NYU for a PH.D or doctorate.

Well, there is about to be 20 seats open that were previously occupied by the HERO protestors!

I think you should be fine. You will make it.

Set yr heart on it, go for yr goals

I don't think your decision was stupid. It may be worth it for graduate school, but NYU is known for giving out bad financial aid. I don't know your college GPA now, but I think it you have a good chance. I think they may not want you, because you already said no. Though, you are a good student and that's what they need. NYU is hard for a transfer student, but I think you should get in. If not, you may want to go their for your graduate studies. It won't look bad then, because it tells them that you wanted to save money and now your interested. Good Luck!

UF is a good school. I would stay there and not accumulate any debt. Especially with the economy like it is.

A good way to approach transferring is like applying for grad school. Look into the department you're interested in studying in and learn about what they are doing, read some of their publications, e-mail at least one of the profs, and build a relationship. With the backing of a faculty member you're more likely to get in and if you don't you're better off from the experience because if you do want to go on to graduate study you have some research and contacts.

Hope this helps, but again if I were you I'd stay in the swamp.

First of all, congratulations! I think you have everything set for NYU!

Here's some advice:

1. If you chose not to go to NYU because of the financial aid package, then you should not feel bad about this. You need to believe in yourself when you make a decision like this for better or worse. Now that your mind is clear and you feel that you made a mistake, then hurray to you because this means your maturing a lot.

2. You have a HUGE chance of getting in! I would also encourage you to apply to Columbia and Cornell. I believe you may have a great chance of getting in!

3. If you do get in to NYU, you should check it out before making a decision. NYU does not have a campus, and everyone there are pretty much high on themselves meaning that it may be hard to make new friends... If your a person who likes being around people and do not want to get depressed, then you should really look into this college and see if it's for you!

This being said, I hope you do get into the college of your choice!

Best of luck to you!