Maybe you can even connect with an advisor at the bigger university to find out about required courses. Even though you are already thinking about your major, like I said before, the first question is, What does everyone have to take – liberal arts background? general sciences or mathematics? Then go to the local college to see what is offered – maybe meet with an advisor there, too.

What specific colleges are we talking about?

What courses will you take and your GPA.

Do you have a compelling story to tell Big U’s admissions office?

Why didn’t you try financial aid at Big U?

What are the statistics for admitting transfers to Big U?

I think you should make an appointment with the dean of admissions at Big U. Tell her you really like Big U, but you are thinking of Small U for financial reasons, etc. Any high school kid that has the maturity to have a conversation with the dean will reflect much better than GPA or SAT scores. Who knows, you may even land some financial aid.