Transfer students - when to apply

When should a transfer student from Auckland University apply? (currently in my first year)

Here are the options:

  1. You can stay a UoA for one semester and discontinue your enrollment and then apply as a First Year Student to the US universities (easiest option by far). Deadline is November 2017.
  2. You can apply as a transfer student to enter university in the Fall of 2018 as a second year or third year student. Deadline is March 2018.