3.268 Gpa???

Transfer Students
1

<p>Sigh, well I just got my GPA, and it's a 3.268. I go to Georgetown University. These are what my grades look like(i'm a freshman):</p>

<p>Intro to Computer Science: A
Modern Astronomy: B-(that's what killed it)
Healthcare in America: B
Intro to Philosophy: Freedom: B
General Psychology: A-</p>

<p>So, it's not like if I got Cs or Ds or anything. Now, I'm only applying to Penn and Brown for transfer b/c I got fall 2005 guaranteed transfer admission to Cornell(my decision last April), and as long as I have a 3.2 GPA, I can go there. However, I REALLY want to go to Penn. I'm applying to the Health and Societies major. What do you all think my chances are? Here are my other stats:</p>

<p>Georgetown University
African American Male</p>

<p>GPA: 3.268 </p>

<p>Second Semester Courses:
Computer Science I(different from intro to comp sci)
Behavioral Neuroscience
Language of Health and Disease
Bioethics
Intro to Catholic Theology</p>

<p>SAT I: 1340(680V, 660M)
SAT II(optional for Penn): 690Writing, 630Math IC, 630US History</p>

<p>High School GPA: 3.69</p>

<p>Activities:<br>
Georgetown Symphony Orchestra-Viola
International Relations Club-Rapporteur for Legal Committee at North American Invitational Model UN Conference
Campus Ministry-Lector and Eucharistic Minister
Georgetown Admissions Ambassadors Program-High School Visitor
Emerging Leaders Program(next semester)</p>

<p>Job:
University Information Services-Hoya Computing(software lending, helping w/ computer/electronics purchasing) and Service Desk</p>

<p>I will also be sending in a music sample, as I want to continue in the Orchestra.</p>

<p>The reason I want to apply to Penn is b/c of their Health and Societies major. I specifically want to concentrate in Health in Africa. A related reason is because I want to take an African Language, such as Yoruba or Swahili. Gtown doesn't offer African languages, or an African studies department. If I concentrate in Health in Africa, you are recommended to take 2 yrs of an African language. I also am interested in taking healthcare management classes in Wharton, as Gtown doesn't have a One University view like Penn, therefore many classes are restricted to ppl in that school.</p>

<p>I'm aiming for a high GPA next semester. What role do you all think the midterm grade report will play? Will it help? Obviously my strength in the applicant pool won't be academic achievement, so would my music talent and other activities help? In general, what are my chances, especially if Penn and other schools look at your individual grades, not just the overall GPA?</p>

2

<p>I would say that you have a shot, I cannot go any further without uncertainty. You progress in nonacademic fields is also impressive, and I think it will be examined.</p>

<p>How is the philosophy program at Georgetown? I am very interested in it!</p>

3

<p>thanks. Philosophy at Gtown is AMAZING. I loved the class, but of course the problem is WRITING philosophy. I thought it was the most interesting class I took(even though I got an A in comp sci). Professor Blattner also was the best professor I had this semester. He kept the class(lecture of over 200) focused, and hardly anyone could fall asleep. He made a lot of jokes(usually focusing on his family, especially his son), and used powerpoint, so he didn't have to write everything down. Then of course you have section, and that's where we discussed everything for the lectures of the week. We had 3 papers that made up the final grades. Writing philosophy was MUCH harder than I thought. He had a specific format, of having your view/opinion on the topic, then you'd have to formulate an objection to that view, then make another objection to that objection. Five pages minimum. I guess compared to the rest of the class I did average, as I remember him saying on the first day, "most of you are used to getting straight As in school. Well, in college you won't...", implying that most wouldn't be getting As in the class. Also, after the first paper, he told us about how the grades were spread out, but most hovered in the C range(he starts the grades at B- and goes from there). I heard that one girl got a D-, and started crying in her section.</p>

<p>So, Philosophy at Gtown seems like a great department, lots of classes(i'm taking Bioethics as you saw next semester), and it seems popular.</p>

4

<p>Well.. your GPA is kind of low.</p>

<p>My Pastor was rejected from Brown with a 3.8.</p>

<p>I would stay at Gtown.</p>

5

<p>thanks. The avg. GPA is a 3.6 at Penn, and I know they accept lower GPAs at more rigorous schools, such as Gtown. </p>

<p>Also, if I get denied from both Penn and Brown, then I'm going to Cornell, as I have guaranteed transfer admission provided my GPA is a 3.2.</p>

6

<p>well the gpa will hurt significantly for penn and brown, but look on the bright side- one more B- and u prob would have lost the guaranteed transfer</p>

7

<p>yeah i know! At least I know I can go to Cornell, which was my dream school since forever.</p>

<p>So yeah, I know the GPA will obviously hurt my chances, but I'm hoping that the mid-term grade report, which is due by March 31st, less than a month before finals, will help my chances, coupled with my ECs, work experience, and my music tape.</p>

8

<p>oh yeah, I took Abnormal Psychology at the local community college, and got a B+(they go A, B+, B,B-, etc.), so I'll send that in too.</p>

9

<p>hey! remember that most transfer students are from community college, which are easier than real schools. your gpa is more reflective of how you would do at a real college, not a community college. make sure that when you apply, you make that very clear in your application. i think thats a very good argument, and that they will realize your point. dont let that gpa get you down.</p>

<p>your reasons for transfering are good and sound. again, make sure the admissions office knows why. it willl help.</p>

<p>ec's arent very important in transfer admission from my understanding. put them in your app. anyway. it will only help.</p>

<p>i transfered like you, i know the feeling. but you, unlike me, already go to a good school. dont sweat it too much, but keep those transfer hopes alive as you study. you'll work harder. mid year reports are important, especially if you improve.</p>

10

<p>I think EC's are very important actually.</p>

11

<p>from what i understand, EC's are very often the difference between acceptance and rejection. there are plenty of applicants with good gpa's, EC's, recs, and essays are what allows the committees to see the difference between the candidates, and their potential contribution to the school.</p>

12

<p>thanks everyone for the opinions. I've wanted to go to Penn for the last few months. It has EXACTLY what I want to do. I want to major in Health and Society, concentrating in Health in Africa. I want to take an African language for personal reasons as well as relating to the major. I'd like to take classes in Wharton in healthcare management. I'll definitely continue in the orchestra. And I know that some students are trying to organize MERT, the medical emergency response team, and that's really of interest to me, b/c Gtown has GERMS-georgetown emergency response medical service. If I get to do it next semester(DAMN orchestra and GERMS classes for being on the same nights,lol. Hopefully they move one...), I'd be able to help out with the formation of MERT, b/c they're looking at other school's models to see how to organize the program. I could go on and on(and i will in the essays,lol). I know the 3.268 gpa is low, however I'm hoping to do well next semester, send in a good mid-term report, write great essays, good recs, send in a music tape, etc., and hope that I have a chance. If not, I DEFINITELY won't be sad(at least a lot), b/c I'll be going to Cornell, which I still love. Thanks again everyone.</p>

13

<p>that sounds like stuff that should be in yotr app. the more the better.</p>