Hi everyone,
My name is Justin Chan, and I served as the Secretary of the Accounting Club at BMCC for spring 2025. I will be transferring to the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce for Fall 2025. As I wrap up my time at BMCC, I want to leave behind real, unfiltered advice for students who are aiming high beyond just transferring from CUNY to CUNY.
CUNY schools are excellent, but many students here are capable of more opportunities. If you’re serious about schools like UVA, Columbia, UNC, NYU, or any other top 25–50 university, this is for you. I wrote this article to share everything I learned during my own transfer journey like what worked, what didn’t, and what I wish I knew earlier. I want this advice to help at least one student realize they have options beyond CUNY and give them the tools to make it happen.
This article is quite long, so please take some time reading it. If you can take anything away from this article, it is to really really do your research. Watch videos on how to transfer and how to build a strong application. I guarantee you, doing 1 hour of research will put you ahead of 90% of transfers.
Cost and Financial Aid
Before even thinking about transferring, think about cost. Transferring to a top school is great, but don’t go broke or in debt doing it. If you’re a dependent student from a low-income family, there’s good news: many top private and public universities offer strong need-based financial aid. But you won’t get a dime unless you submit the FAFSA and the CSS Profile. These forms determine how much aid you qualify for, including grants, scholarships, work-study, and subsidized loans. Don’t wait, submit them as early as possible.
If you’re an independent student (which means you’re financially on your own and meet specific criteria like being over 24, married, or a ward of the court), your aid situation can vary more based on your personal income and circumstances. Some schools are generous, some aren’t. Either way, contact the financial aid office directly and ask if they meet full need for transfers and how they define “need.”
Don’t let cost stop you from applying, but be realistic. Always compare financial aid packages and don’t assume all aid is equal. If you need help, use tools like Net Price Calculators on each school’s site to get a rough estimate early. Cost should not be a factor when applying, and you NEED to apply for financial aid by the time you submit you application. The golden rule is, if you can afford it at the lowest possible cost without being a financial burden, go to that college. The cheaper option is always the better option.
(EX. Harvard 60k per year vs Emory University for 15k per year, go Emory, it’s cheaper and still a very good college. That doesn’t mean choose CUNY Hunter for free tuition over Emory University 15k per year. Weigh the outcomes, benefits and your current situation and pick the best option available for you)
Understanding the Transfer Process
Transferring to a top university is nothing like applying to college in high school. It’s a different game, with fewer spots, less clarity, and a lot more noise. Online forums like Reddit are filled with toxicity, doubt, and people trying to flex their stats or tear others down. It’s competitive and, frankly, discouraging if you don’t know how to tune it out.
Here’s the truth: you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be strategic, consistent, and focused. Don’t waste time comparing yourself to strangers on the internet. Ignore the noise and just apply. The worst that happens is you get a no. The best? You get into a school you never thought was possible.
Most transfer applications deadline are between February and March, depending on the school. Decisions usually roll out from April to late May, some even June. Unlike freshman admissions, transfer admissions are based on how many open seats a college has after their first-year class is finalized. You’re not competing against thousands of generic applicants, you’re being reviewed as someone who can fill a gap in their student body. That could work to your advantage if you tell your story the right way.
So don’t overthink it. Don’t wait for someone to validate your chances. Do the research, prepare early, and take the shot.
Now here’s what most people don’t realize: the transfer applicant pool is much smaller than the freshman pool, but it’s also much stronger. A lot of students think transferring is “easier” because some acceptance rates look higher on paper. That’s misleading. You’re not competing against random applicants anymore, you’re up against people with 3.9+ GPAs, leadership experience, solid internships, and polished recommendation letters. Many are coming from other four-year schools or were top 5% in community colleges across the country.
The bar is higher. Not everyone is perfect, but to stand out, you need to present the best version of yourself—academically, professionally, and personally. Your application isn’t just a form, it’s YOUR story, YOUR work, and YOUR growth. Make it count. Also, create a list of 8-15 colleges you want to apply. Don’t just pick Ivy Leagues like Yale, Harvard, Columbia, Cornell.. etc. Spread them out pick colleges for programs and opportunities, not name and prestige.
Know the Requirements or Don’t Bother Applying
Here’s the harsh truth: if you don’t research the transfer requirements for each school, don’t even bother applying. You’re wasting your time, energy, and money. Colleges won’t read your application if you haven’t met their minimum academic or course requirements no matter how strong the rest of your profile is.
Every school and every major has different requirements. Some want two semesters of English. Others want a certain number of credits completed. Most business schools require college-level calculus. So if you’re trying to transfer into a competitive program like business, econ, or engineering and you haven’t taken calc, you’re already behind.
It’s on you to go through each school’s website and see what they expect. Don’t assume anything. Some schools are okay with AP credits; others want the class taken in college. Some want specific GPAs in pre-reqs, not just overall GPA. Missing even one requirement can automatically disqualify you.
If you’re serious about transferring, make a spreadsheet. List every school you’re applying to, what they require, and whether you’ve fulfilled each one. Then fill in the gaps. Don’t wait until the semester before applying to realize you’re missing a class you could’ve taken a year ago.
Your GPA Needs to Be Excellent—Not Just “Good”
One of the most important parts of your transfer application is your college GPA. And let me be clear: I’m not talking about a 3.0-3.5. If you’re aiming for top schools, you need at least a 3.7 to be competitive. Ideally, as close to a 4.0 as possible.
Why? Because GPA is the most direct proof that you can handle college-level work. If you’re struggling at your current school, top universities have no reason to believe you’ll succeed at theirs. They’re not taking risks on transfers. They want students who will thrive from day one. So take your classes seriously. Don’t skip assignments. Don’t blow off finals. Treat every grade like it matters because it does. You only get one transcript, and it speaks louder than anything else in your application.
If your GPA isn’t where it should be, you’re not automatically out. But you need to show an upward trend. If your earlier semesters were rough, but your most recent grades are straight A’s, that shows growth, discipline, and maturity. That matters.
Schools understand that not everyone starts strong. What they care about is whether you’ve figured it out. If you were a 3.1 student who’s now pulling 3.8+ last 2 semester, they’ll notice. Just make sure your essay tells that story clearly—explain what changed, how you improved, and what you learned. They judge holistically, not just by one factor.
Credit Requirements – Timing Matters
If you’re trying to transfer with low college credits—especially after high school—it’s going to be a much tougher process. Most top schools want to see at least one full year of strong college-level coursework before seriously considering you. If you apply with fewer than 30 credits, they’ll often default to looking at your high school transcript to make a decision.
That’s exactly what happened in my case. I started at BMCC after high school, taking 16 credits in my first semester and had another 16 in progress when I submitted my application. On paper, I had just one semester of actual college grades and that’s not ideal. Schools will then weigh your high school performance, especially your senior year GPA, much more heavily. If your high school GPA was under a 3.0, you’re honestly better off waiting and applying as a junior transfer. That gives you more time to build a strong transcript, rack up credits, and show that you’ve grown as a student.
But if you’re confident and ready, there’s no harm in applying as a sophomore transfer. Just understand your chances will be lower, and you’ll need to explain your academic story clearly in your essay. Show them why you’re ready now, even with limited credits. If I managed to pull it off, so can you!
At the end of the day, don’t self-reject. Just know the reality going in and plan accordingly. Research!!!
The Transfer Essay
If your GPA is your foot in the door, your essay is what gets you a seat at the table. It’s the most important part of your transfer application because it’s where you become more than just numbers. It’s your chance to show who you are, why you want to transfer, and where you want to go.
Most schools will ask for a version of a “Why Us” essay. This is where you explain:
- Why you’re leaving your current school, and
- Why the school you’re applying to is the right fit for your goals.
This is not the place to vent, complain, or trash your current school, **cough cough BMCC**. Never do that. Admissions officers don’t want to hear that you’re transferring just for prestige or that your current school sucks. Even if that’s how you feel, find a better angle. Talk about what you’re seeking that your current school can’t provide—like a program, flexibility, or academic opportunities.
If you don’t have a dramatic reason for transferring, that’s fine. Make it about growth. Maybe you took a class that changed your focus, maybe you discovered a new career path, or maybe your goals became clearer. The essay should tell your academic and personal story, from where you started to where you’re trying to go.
Here’s what a strong essay usually includes:
- A clear narrative arc (what you’ve learned so far, what’s missing, and what you’re seeking).
- Specific examples of how the new school aligns with your goals (programs, majors, clubs, research, advising, etc.).
- A solid, positive reason for leaving your current school.
- A thoughtful conclusion that shows you’re moving forward with purpose.
Even if your reason for transferring is less than ideal (ex: prestige, better job outcomes), frame it in a way that highlights academic or personal growth. Don’t say “I want to transfer because [school] has better Wall Street placement.” Instead, say, “After exploring finance more seriously, I realized I need access to [school’s] [specific program, course, research, or opportunity] to develop professionally and academically.”
Tips:
- Start early. Draft as soon as you can, revise over winter break. Don’t rush this.
- Be personal but focused. You’re not writing a therapy letter, you’re building a case for yourself.
- Tie it all together. Don’t just list achievements. Show how your experiences shape your goals and how the new school fits into your bigger picture.
- Be real. Admissions officers read hundreds of essays. They can tell when you’re bullshitting.
- Your essay is your pitch. It’s how you connect the dots between your past, present, and future.
Extracurriculars
When it comes to transfer applications, your extracurriculars (ECs) aren’t about having the flashiest titles or being some ultra-rare prodigy. What really matters is impact, what you did, why you did it, and who benefited from it.
From my own experience, my ECs weren’t flashy. I was a part-time server, held leadership positions like Secretary of the Accounting Club, and joined a few clubs tied to my interests. I didn’t publish research, start a company, or win national awards. But what I did do was show initiative, consistency, and impact. I helped organize events, mentored students, and supported my community. That matters.
Here’s what you need to know:
Quality > Quantity
It’s better to have 2-3 meaningful activities where you played a key role than 10 random ones you barely showed up for. Top schools aren’t counting hours—they’re asking, what did you actually do?
Leadership and Ownership Matter
If you started something, ran something, or made a program better, that stands out. Whether it’s planning events, creating a resource, or helping your peers—show that you made something happen.
Small ECs Still Count
Not every activity has to be huge. Taking care of siblings, working a job to support your family, building a small passion project—these all show responsibility, discipline, and character. Don’t downplay them. Admissions officers read between the lines.
Tie Your ECs to Your Story
If you’re applying to business programs, and your ECs show leadership, communication, or entrepreneurship—even in small ways—that’s a win. Make your resume and essay connect to your goals. Show how what you’ve done so far prepares you for what you want to do next.
Bottom line: your ECs don’t need to be impressive to someone on Reddit—they need to be authentic, consistent, and connected to your story. Admissions teams want students who will contribute to campus life, not just pad the stats.
Letters of Recommendation
LORs are a required part of nearly every transfer application, and most schools ask for one. These letters give admissions officers insight into your work ethic, character, and how you operate in a college classroom. A strong letter can reinforce your academic growth and potential, while a weak or generic one will do nothing for you.
Who Should You Ask?
Ask college professors who have taught you, preferably in classes where you participated and did well. It does not matter if the professor is in your intended major. What matters is whether they actually know you and can write a letter that says more than, “This student got an A.”
If a professor isn’t available, a TA who taught you is acceptable too, but try for a full professor if possible. A club advisor or assistance also works.
When Should You Ask?
Ask 4–6 weeks before your deadline. Don’t ask it last-minute. Professors are busy, and good letters take time. Be respectful, professional, and give them everything they need: your resume, your goals, and a brief summary of what you’ve been involved in.
How Do You Get a Good One?
- Build real relationships early
- Sit in the front.
- Participate in class.
- Go to office hours.
- Ask questions that show you care about the subject.
- Professors remember students who show up and engage.
If you’re invisible all semester, they’re not going to write you a standout letter.
Pick Professors Who Care
Before asking someone, check RateMyProfessors or ask past students what that professor is like. Go with someone known for supporting students, not the one who just reads slides and leaves. Most professors at BMCC are nice and willing to write a rec letter.
Additional Letters
You can include an extra letter if it genuinely adds something new like a supervisor at your job, club advisor, or mentor. But don’t overdo it. One strong letter > three average ones.
LORs are about depth. A well-written letter from a community college professor who knows you will go way further than a vague one from a professor at a big-name school who barely remembers your name.
Stats – What Matters and What Doesn’t
Let’s talk numbers. First off, if your high school GPA was trash, don’t panic—but also, be smart. If you’re applying as a sophomore transfer with only one semester of college grades, admission officers will still look closely at your high school record, especially your senior year. If it’s under a 3.0, you’re better off applying as a junior transfer, when your college performance can carry more weight and high school matters less.
So what GPA do you need to be competitive for T25 schools? A 3.9+ puts you in the best position. That doesn’t mean you’re screwed if you have a 3.7 or 3.8—but the higher your GPA, the more serious they’ll take you. If you’re not at that level, don’t give up. If you can afford the application fees, most get free fees, and meet the requirements, apply anyway. Transferring is like dating, you might think the school’s out of your league, but you won’t know unless you shoot your shot. You might get lucky, or you might learn and come back stronger next round.
Speaking from personal experience, I had a 3.3 in High School and I applied sophomore transfer (1 year at BMCC) and was accepted to UVA. This shows that a upward trend really does show along with a strong essay and decent extracurriculars.
Standardized Tests
This depends on the school. Many are test-optional, especially after COVID, but some (like Georgetown or specific Cornell colleges) still require them. Do your research for each school.
As for whether you should submit scores, follow the basic rule: only submit if you’re at or above the school’s 50th percentile. Otherwise, leave them out and let your college GPA speak for itself. It’s almost never worth retaking the SAT/ACT as a transfer unless a school specifically requires it.
Some things that was not covered in the article is transcripts and where to apply to transfer. These things can be answered by emailing the BMCC registrar or if it’s your high school transcript, your high school counselor. Also, go to the transfer center for more help and information on how to transfer! Most students can get a fee wavier to apply to colleges, so don’t worry about cost when applying!
Transferring is not easy. Don’t wait for someone to give you permission to aim higher, give it to yourself. Do your research, take the leap, and don’t let fear or Reddit convince you you’re not enough.
Good luck! If you have any questions or want to reach out, here is my linkedin!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-chan-664523219/
Resources to will help you transfer:
- Transfer Scholar Network (BMCC Afflicated)
- Phi Theta Kappa (scholarships for schools)
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TransferToTop25/ (useful for current transfer applicants and general questions)
- https://www.reddit.com/r/TransferToTop25/wiki/index/ (more info)
- If you are an accounting major, apply to the AICPA student affiliate scholarships. (AICPA Foundation Legacy Scholarships)
- Essays example:
https://penningpapers.com/2021/05/16/bu-trasnfer-essay-that-worked/
https://apply.jhu.edu/college-planning-guide/transfer-essays-that-worked/
https://www.cmu.edu/student-success/other-resources/handouts/comm-supp-pdfs/writing-transfer-essay.pdf