<p>I just have a few questions about transferring.</p>
<p>First of all, I am applying as a freshman college student for Fall 2011, so I only have one semester of grades and one midterm report. Does this put me at a disadvantage for transfer?</p>
<p>I also have a question about my high school transcript. I had a 3.8 weighted GPA. Will this significantly impact my transfer application?</p>
<p>The answer to both of your questions is it depends.</p>
<p>For those applying to transfer while still in their freshman year, we rely more heavily on your high school academic record since your college record is still pretty minimal at the time of application. Applying while still a college freshman doesn’t automatically put you at a disadvantage but we do rely more heavily on your high school record than we do for those who have more completed semesters of college (by high school record I mean your transcript and standardized test scores which are required for transfer applicants who haven’t completed two full-time semesters at the time of application).</p>
<p>As for your high school GPA, a 3.8 without context is hard to evaluate. In some schools, a 3.8 is a great GPA. In others, it’s not. When evaluating transfer applicants who are still in their first year of college we oftentimes try to take only those who would have been competitive for freshman admission. If a 3.8 was near the top 10% of your high school class and you took rigorous courses than your high school transcript will likely help your case.</p>
<p>Well, to put it more into context, the average GPA of students accepted by William and Mary from my school was 4.2. I took nine Advanced Placement classes (in seven classes since two classes had two courses). We don’t rank so I am not sure how close to the top 10% I am. I was deferred for Early Decision and then rejected in the general applicant pool.</p>
<p>I’m guessing you attended a Fairfax County high school where generally, a 4.1 or 4.2 marks the top 10% give or take. If that is the case, a 3.8 high school GPA while fine just wasn’t as competitive as many other applicants from that region. However, in the transfer applicant pool, a 3.8 high school GPA is pretty good, especially with such a strong program.</p>
<p>Plus we will appreciate that you remain interested in W&M. </p>
<p>Do you know about the re-open application? Since you applied last year, you do not need to complete a new application. We keep your materials for one year so you need only complete the re-open form and send a final high school transcript and a college transcript.</p>