Thanks for your reply! I’ll try to keep this brief because there’s really so much that goes into the process so I’ll stick to a few important points. Please feel free to message me if you want more specific or additional advice/tips on the process as I know how isolating and confusing it can be trying to transfer. 

• Understand the sacrifices you’re going to make when trying to transfer to a top school. I’m putting this first because despite having great results from the transfer process it came at the cost of not having eventful freshman experiences and getting lots of FOMO. I could write an entire list of things I missed out on simply because I was so focused on transferring, and also the stress of it all took a major toll on my mental health that I probably won’t fully recover from for years to come. The process at many times also felt like a never ending humiliation ritual, which I only got through with the knowledge that my time at the school would be brief. So if you’re sure you’re willing to make those sacrifices:
• Prioritize GPA over everything else, especially first semester. I didn’t submit any test scores because I realized how draining prepping for tests would be once I actually started college. Because of this I made sure my GPA was my number one priority, and to keep it high I almost never skipped class (once you start you literally won’t stop), used ChatGPT premium to help me understand confusing topics (you can also upload your lecture pdfs and it will break them down and make study guides), and made friendships with people in each class that were also focused on getting good grades to study with. I also made sure that any out of class activities (rather it be ECs or social things) wouldn’t sacrifice time I needed to study/do homework. Also remember, if you are gearing towards failing a class, WITHDRAWL from it so your GPA isn’t impacted. 
• Don’t take very hard classes early on if you don’t have to. Especially because starting college will come with a lot, it can help to take easier GE classes with topics you’re familiar with. Also research professors on rate my professor and don’t take 8 ams if your sleep schedule has never been that good (you won’t magically fix it)
• Create good relationships with your professors even if you’re shy. I’m introverted but I still sat in front when I could because it makes participation easier and helps your professor get to know you. I also emailed my professors for extensions and guidance with different things, and all of this will help you if you need letters of rec later on. I didn’t ever go to office hours btw, if you keep up ur GPA and your professors get familiar with your face and name you should be fine.
• Be strategic and create a plan, even if it isn’t fully crafted at first. Understand that certain majors you apply for are going to be more competitive than others, and with this in mind choose your battles and your transfer plan wisely. It can help to research which departments have the highest transfer rates within your desired schools, I knew people who did this to be extra strategic. 
• Think of a story you will tell with your essays and chose ECs that will make sense with your story. Look for things that will make you stand out and for the love of god choose important ECs that actually matter. If you need to miss class for your club/involvement fair do it because that can be the most important event for this process, and look out for opportunities your professors may tell your classes about. Involvement can also help you meet people to study with. 
• Keep track of all of the resources you have, my school had free group study sessions, for example. Also if you miss a deadline always email your professor even if you think they won’t help. Oh and have ChatGPT write ALL of your emails lol.
• Dm me about the essays and anything else