How hard is it to receive a 3.5 GPA in your freshman year?
I was given a GT option to cornell, and if I meet the 3.5 threshold, I can transfer. I was thinking about going to BC for a year, so I want to know, how hard is it to get that required GPA (in courses like intro to Macro, Micro etc)?
Dear verizonwireless : First, we will give a quantitative response. Remember that 85% of the Boston College freshman class is in the Top 10% of their High School Classes. The top 96% of freshmen were from the Top 25% of their High School classes. Let’s focus on the former set. These are all “A” students, AP/IB capable, driving their individual high school academic achievements. Now, when you get to Boston College, all of these same students are NOT getting straight "A"s - in fact, the average grade across campus is between B- and B (2.7 to 3.0). So, you should be able to do the arithmetic at this point to determine whether you would be 3.5 or better - it isn’t as easy at Boston College as you would find in your high school since the competition and work load will be substantially deeper.
Second, introductory courses are often more difficult when large sections are involved - your course selection will indeed matter.
Third, qualitatively, attending Boston College with a hope to transfer to Cornell might not be the optimal path for you. Attend your freshman university with the idea that you are committing to the school. “Guaranteed transfers” that are not written down are not guaranteed at all. So, before expecting a transfer, remember that you might find yourself one year from now wondering how strong that Cornell guarantee might be.
^^Scott:
Cornell has been using GTO’s for several years (contract colleges, I believe), and they do hold their to word.
OP: depends on how hard you work. No one can really answer the question for you.
Friends son knew that he wanted to go to Cornell, badly! Got the GT. He knowingly chose a school that he knew he could easily get the necessary GPA and knew he wouldn’t want to stay because of the location. Guess what, he’s going to Cornell next year. I have never heard of Boston College as the means to that end. It’s usually the reach school, like Cornell, that people are dying to go to and fully intend to stay.
It seems to me that if you set your goal to get top grades, then you can probably do it. Most freshman have a broad range of goals and a fuzzy idea that they want to “do well”. So, you will probably be able to compete well if that is a primary motive for you.
And, yes, Cornell does appear to welcome the GT rather than to try to find ways to prevent if from happening.
Not sure I quite agree wth lost account. I think it is safe to say that kids at top tier schools all have a primary motive to compete well. That’s what they have been doing all their lives in high school. Despite their best intentions, that doesn’t mean it is going to happen for them in college, especially when the curve is based on kids just as bright if not brighter than them. Have to agree with Scotty on this one.
@verizonwireless I was given that exact option to CALS AEM. My profile picture should be indication-enough of my ultimate decision. I held the GPA standard and stayed here anyway. If you have any more specific questions, message me, as our situations are incredibly similar, I’d imagine.