<p>I made a thread earlier about this, but it was rather long so I have shortened it in hopes of getting better info. I am currently at a CC in Chicago, aiming to get into a top notch business school. My reach is Ross, difficult for sure, but aiming high is the way I want to go. It's what gives me motivation. </p>
<p>My GPA is 3.37, however, when taken into account classes that won't transfer over, my transferable GPA is a 3.62. I still have a whole year to go trying to meet the pre reqs for B school, so theres still a chance to bring that GPA up. So down to advice...</p>
<p>Will courses that don't transfer over count against me? I recieved a C in an EMT class freshman year which is why I started with a low GPA, but that class will not be transferred over. Will the fact that I got a C in it still count against me?</p>
<p>Is transfering to the University first, completing a semester there, and then attempting to to transfer to the school of business better than applying to the B school sirectly at the time I transfer? If that's the case I may just apply to certain schools in the Spring of 2012 and not bother trying to get into their business school until the Fall, rather than apply for the B school in Spring 2012 as well. This gives even more time to bring a GPA higher, show them how I do in THEIR courses, and get established with some of their clubs. But if it doesn't make a difference, I may just stay at my CC for financial reasons, unless required to transfer one semester earlier, like Kelley. </p>
<p>Last, how important is course load? I have always taken 12-13 credit hours as opposed to 15-16. Does this look bad? In my defense, I worked alot this past semester, practically 35+ hours a week, and I sort of needed to, as I recieved no financial aid and had no help from ma and pa. This semester, I plan to participate in a couple clubs to have some EC's, so that coupled with work will be extremely tough, so I really don't want to enroll in another class unless it's absolutely something that will benefit me. Thanks for those who help.</p>
<p>I’m not sure about transferable GPA vs. cumulative, you may want to contact the admissions office of the schools to which you’re applying.</p>
<p>I don’t really have any advice about the second question, though I think it may be true that getting into certain schools within a university is easier as a current student of that university than as a transfer.</p>
<p>Finally, a heavier course load looks good, but I’m sure admissions officers will take your financial situation and ECs into consideration. I took 13-15 as well, but I’ve also spoken with an admissions officer from another school, and explained that I’ve only taken fewer credits in the last year because I’ve accrued so many credits and only need so many more to graduate, and I have to stay full time to keep fin aid. It probably won’t make or break you, if that’s what you’re asking.</p>
<p>Thanks for replying. My main concern was the courseload question, since that’s the one that needed to be adressed quickly. Hopefully your right, I feel that colleges are more concerned with how you spend your time rather than just how many classes your takin when evaluating your app. And I too don’t care to take more than 12 or 13 hours since I’m almost done with gen eds and am really just taking pre reqs. Thanks again for reply</p>
<p>A few months ago, I had a chance to sit down with an admission’s officer at CAL HAAS. I dont think you have to worry about courseload, especially if you were working. They do consider which courses you are taking during that time + work + ec. Don’t worry, and keep striving for success. =]. I am also a student at a CC trying to transfer to a top B-School. Just make sure that you do ace all the Business related courses and get your GPA up near 4.0. Also, extra-curricular and leadership is always what business schools look for, so definitely get involved in school and outside of school as well.</p>
<p>Work <em>is</em> an EC, and a very time-consuming one! And a very respected one.</p>
<p>So I would not suggest you seek out “ECs” as a way to fill out your resume as a transfer applicant. Rather focus on your academics to have that GPA as strong as it can be.</p>