Title. I’m currently on a year off after 2 years at UVM and a semester at Babson. My story is fairly compelling/unique (surviving/overcoming hs in the troubled teen industry). I’m seeking a smaller, liberal arts school with a pretty open curriculum, where the academic challenge is at a higher level. I know these are all super-stretch schools, but I thought I’d give it a shot because of COVID- I’m aware my stats are not impressive. Thankfully, tuition is not an issue.
Major- Econ/Business, but I’m looking to apply for environmental programs.
College GPA: 3.69 - dealing with intense grief after 2 friends died by suicide in 1 year.
HS GPA: 3.78
SAT: 1360
Extracurriculars: Leadership in Asian Student Union + Babson Sustainability Club + Babson Ultimate Frisbee; Intramural soccer and basketball, VPIRG at UVM, Sunrise Movement, Ski & Snowboard Club, babysitting an autistic child, multiple volunteers, I also paint and draw
Recs: 2 close professors, 1 professional
Gap year: 3 internships and volunteering
I haven’t written all my essays, as I’m struggling to fit everything in.
Any insight is greatly appreciated. I am highly anxious, as deadlines are closing in fast. Thanks so much, everyone.
It would be helpful if you could share why Babson isn’t a good fit for you. Also, how many credits do you have? You might be over the limit for some of the target schools, for example, Smith won’t consider applicants with over 64 transferable credits. And Tufts discourages students who have over two years of credits from applying as a transfer.
The 5 schools you listed are all reaches, Smith is probably the most likely, so…if you are certain you want to transfer, you will need a safety school. Do you have one? Will you go back to Babson or UVM if you aren’t accepted to one of these 5 transfer schools?
Babson was not the right fit for me because you can only get a business degree there and I am not passionate about business administration (after 3 internships in the environmental field, I want to pursue my passion for the environment). I’m looking for more academic freedom.
I technically have completed 68 credits because of some AP credit and Babson used a 4-credit system (as opposed to UVM’s 3-credits) but I assume most won’t transfer. Smith’s website says it won’t consider applicants with over 64 “transferrable credits”? I’m happy to treat my transfer as another sophomore year. Some info: My sister transferred to Tufts after 2 years at NYU.
I don’t know what an appropriate safety school would be. I would probably have to go back to UVM if I can’t think of one.
Fortunately, some transfer application cut-offs extend into the spring, even at some top colleges with excellent environmental studies programs. As one suggestion for a potential addition, Mount Holyoke states they will consider applications submitted by May 1st.