Chance a long-shot transfer to Smith College?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hello all! I am a prospective transfer to Smith for the fall semester - it is my absolute dream school, so I am getting rather nervous waiting for the results! Good luck to everyone currently waiting on results as well! :)</p>

<p>I was hoping to ask for people to chance me for admission to Smith. I admit outright that I am nowhere near the brilliance of some of the other applicants I have seen rejected, so I am taking a very long shot and hoping for the best!</p>

<p>High school: International School of Boston (bilingual French-English school)
GPA: 3.75
SAT: 2050
Graduated with International Baccalaureate diploma, bilingual honors
With special permission, took 4 higher levels and 2 standard level courses - HLs in History of the Americas, English A1, Spanish B, and Biology
Notable ECs:
- Awarded distinctions for participation in theater program
- Founder and president of Theater Club in 10th grade
- Teacher's assistant and mentor to 4th grade</p>

<p>College: McGill University
GPA: 1.53 (no typo here - this is explained below)
Major: East Asian Studies
Notable ECs:
- Sexual Assault Center of McGill's Students' Society: support group co-facilitator</p>

<p>Currently at: Harvard Extension School (open enrollment, not degree candidate)
GPA: 3.8
Have currently taken 10 courses at the Extension School, with strong concentration in East Asian studies where possible, including Mandarin and Japanese language
Notable ECs:
- Studied abroad in Beijing at intensive summer language program
- Will be studying abroad in Tokyo this summer on an intensive language program</p>

<p><strong>Note</strong> - As you might surmise, the time I spent at McGill was by no means stellar. In my essay, I explain how I was raped at the end of high school, and was unable to cope with the repercussions for the two years I stubbornly studied at McGill. In trying to come to terms with my experience, I volunteered at the sexual assault center as a support group facilitator, which ultimately helped me understand that I needed to take time to heal. In approaching the subject, I tried to be as positive as possible, focusing more on the way it helped me grow as a person, and helped me understand myself better - this is inserted within an essay that especially focuses on my passion for East Asian studies, and how Smith would best fit my needs in pursuing my interests. </p>

<p>I have visited Smith on numerous occasions, and have kept in regular contact with my interviewer to update her with any new developments (term grades, acceptance to summer study program, etc.). I have also sent one well-written, heartfelt, handwritten letter to the senior admissions representative expressing why I think Smith would suit my needs, and why I think I can contribute to Smith's student body.</p>

<p>Thank you so much in advance, and I wish everyone luck in the next few weeks! Does anyone know around when we can expect our results?</p>

2

<p>Anyone? I would truly appreciate any feedback! :)</p>

3

<p>It’s hard to chance such a unique applicant. You never really know if they’re going to focus more on your story or your stats, but let’s hope it won’t be the latter. Either way, you have great SAT scores and a great GPA now, so you clearly have potential. I would guess that you’ll get in, but if you don’t, at least you’ll know why.</p>

<p>I have a similar long-shot story. I dropped out of high school to be sent to a mental hospital after I was raped and attempted suicide. I spent a few months in boot camp to get my **** together, then enrolled in a non-selective college for a year. </p>

<p>Like you, I worked through my own issues during college. I lectured on mental health and worked in support groups for depression and sexual issues. This involvement definitely facilitated my healing process. By the beginning of my Spring semester, I was feeling ready to put the past behind me (although it’s still a big part of who I am) and move on to something better.</p>

<p>I applied to transfer to a bunch of “reach” schools like Smith. I was rejected from most of them, which wasn’t much of a surprise. Yes, I have great grades and SAT scores but, like you, I don’t have the most stable history. A lot of schools are looking for more traditional candidates. </p>

<p>I was, however, admitted to Reed College and New York University, both great schools that I’d love to attend. I just enrolled in NYU and I couldn’t be happier! At the beginning of my process, I was obsessed with a liberal arts college similar to Smith and I was crushed when I was rejected. Now, I’m so glad it turned out that way. Maybe Smith is the right place for you, but my first choice certainly wasn’t.</p>

<p>Have you applied anywhere else besides Smith? And have you heard from Smith yet? Sorry this post turned out to be so long. I hope I didn’t bore you. Good luck with your transfer process!</p>