<p>Current University: San Diego Mesa College (CA)
Major: Econ
College GPA: 4.0 (44 units)
H.S GPA: I believe around 2.8 (I'm 25 and did not try in high school)
SATs: Got a 1300 in high school, will retake in October and actually study for it this time
ECs: Active duty military memeber for 5 years receiving numerous medals and awards, tutor at local library, Coach for SPORTS for exceptional athletes (similar to special olympics).
Essays: Feel I have a strong hook and a solid editor</p>
<p>I will be applying to these schools:</p>
<p>-UPenn (CAS not LPS)
-Duke
-Northwestern
-BU
-Cornell
-UC Berkeley
-UCLA
-UC San Diego</p>
<p>I have solid idea of my chances at the UCs; I'm more curious about the out-of-state schools and whether I should be applying to a safety school.</p>
<p>Even in light of your high school GPA and low SAT scores, your chances as a junior transfer would rest mainly on your college work, recommendations, and personal statements. Given your unique hooks as an active member of the military and your solid college GPA, your chances are, IMHO, pretty good even at Duke and Penn.</p>
<p>Is you SAT out of 1600 or out of 2400. I know they changed the system fairly recently and it would help determine whether or not your chances are good. </p>
<p>Reading a lot from these forums, chances to get in at Duke and Penn are very slim. Your college GPA is great, ECs are very good. I would say you are pretty much in at BU and UC San Diego. Match or reach at Cornell, UC Berkeley, UCLA, and Northwestern. And reach for Duke and UPenn.</p>
<p>It is out of 1600. I took it 9 years ago so I will be retaking it in October. I expect my score will improve because I have been getting 1300s on practice GREs recently. This time around I will study, and not be hung over.</p>
<p>@TheMan-- I figured Duke would be a very slim cause the accept very few; however, UPenn accepted about 15% last year. What is it you saw that makes you think my chances are very slim for UPenn? Just curious, I dont disagree with you. I just want more information and maybe links to the other things you read. Thank You</p>
<p>15% is still slim - its not guaranteed, but, you definitely have a shot. I just know a lot of people who wanted to get into UPenn with perfect stats and unique ECs, granted they were Wharton perspectives, its still a difficult school to get into. </p>
<p>If your SATs in High School are at 1300/1600, I would think you can do A LOT better this try. Good luck, I think you will have VERY good choices.</p>
<p>I think you will be a very desirable transfer student for a majority of colleges. You are mature and have a 4.0. Young enough to fit into the youth culture of colleges, old enough to add real depth and gravitas to the larger mission of the college.</p>
<p>If you can put together compelling essays, you should see quite a few acceptances, even at very competitive schools. You want to make sure you show your passion for something so that you stand out… have you read any of the books that talk about how to apply to highly competitive schools or about college essays that are winners? </p>
<p>You have all the stats - you just need to shine in how you express yourself in writing the essays. Start reading those books about essays if you haven’t already - and make sure you have a good “editor” that has a good ear for these things to read through your stuff before you send it out.</p>
<p>I have yet to hear of such books but that is a phenomenal idea. I am a prospective transfer student and I’m planning on applying to UIllinois directly after the fall semester. I will look into that when it’s time to write my essays. Thank you.</p>