Advice on transfer, realistic chance

<p>I'm considering transferring from St. John's University. My goal is to someday operate a nonprofit organization centering around inner city kids and helping with their education. Sports journalism, my original major, is now my backup plan. I defintely want to do City Year when I graduate.</p>

<p>Main reasons why:
1) Not challenged. The classes are way too easy, there's never truly been a tough course yet. I don't think I'm learning as much as I could and although, I've had some good teachers (and some HORRIBLE ones), the students are just undedicated for the most part. Not to sound egotistical, but I feel like I'm on a different level mentally, and academically. </p>

<p>2) Academic enviroment. A lot of the students are there for good grades or because they are just there to party, not to learn. I'm no nerd, I like to go out and have a social life, but to many students don't strike a right balance. In every class I've been in, I'm embarrassed to put forth the extra effort because it's looked down upon, and quite frankly would be awkward. I want to go to a school where if you don't put in the extra effort, then YOU are the weird one.</p>

<p>3) The parties suck. It's not as if, with all this academic BS, that the parties are live. They're wack. They are always at the same two bars and the activites school-sponosred are horrible. </p>

<p>I'm going there for free because of the tuition exchange program (free tuition, only pay for housing and books), but I really believe it would be better for me to transfer. My mom is totally for it, aslong as finanically it wont be much. My dad....not so much (professor there).</p>

<p>My resume (summed up):
GPA: 3.75 (after this semster, should be around 3.85-ish) Major: Sociology</p>

<p>Clubs: The Torch (newspaper), Italian Cultural Society, Gaelic Society, Advertising Club, Saint Vincent DePaul Society (volunteer club), Servant Leadership Certificate program, Sports Management Club.</p>

<p>Jobs: NY Daily News (intern since July of 2009, still with them), Camp Counselor, job at copying center at St. John's.</p>

<p>Service experience: NY Cares volunteer/team leader (lead groups into soup kitchens, schools, etc.), service trips to New Orleans/Philadelphia (x2)/Mexico/Tennessee.</p>

<p>HS GPA: 79 SAT: 1050/1600. </p>

<p>Schools I'm considering:</p>

<p>Non-tuition exchange (not free tuition):
Cornell</p>

<p>Tuition exchange (free tuition):
Syracuse U
Tulane U
Fordham U
DePaul U
Florida U
San Diego U
Villanova U</p>

<p>Thoughts? What are my chances of getting into these schools (I can guarantee great recommendations and a very good essay)?? Should I leave, should I stay?</p>

<p>Your chances at Tulane are probably fairly good, and given your goals I would strongly consider it. The opportunities and existing organizations to contribute to the comeback of New Orleans are incredible, and I think you would enjoy the academics, the atmosphere, and the parties. It is New Orleans, after all. You sound like you would really fit there.</p>

<p>yeah, if i get tuition exchange it’s defintely my second choice. it doesn’t hurt that i also have a good friend there already who likes it. so if i do transfer, i won’t be all alone.</p>