I’m looking at transferring from my current school (American University) to either Georgetown, George Washington, or as an absolute stretch, Columbia. What are my chances for these schools? My reasons for transferring are that I want to go to a school with a better Economics and Math programs that might prepare me for graduate school level Economics. I already tried transferring to Georgetown for Sophomore year, but was rejected. Also, would it be a bad idea to set aside dreams of Georgetown or Columbia and Transfer into GWU for the second semester? I’m pretty sure I have a good chance at GW, though I was waitlisted there for freshman admittance. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
College Stats: GPA - 3.865
16 Credits:
- Microeconomics: A
- Statistics with Calculus: A-
- Theories of Democracy (200 level philosophy class): A
- The American Constitution (200 level intro to law class): A-
- College Writing: A
16 Credits:
- Intermediate Macro with Calculus: A-
- Intermediate Micro with Calculus: A-
- Calculus 2: A
- Comparative Politics: A
- College Writing Seminar: A
Next Semester - 17 Credits:
- Linear Algebra
- Econometrics
- Intro to Mathematical Economics
- Physics
- Money, Banking, Finance (300 level Econ elective)
High School Stats:
3.52 Overall GPA UW, 4 AP Classes, 5 AP Tests, 1 Dual Enrollment Class
AP Scores:
Calc AB: 5
English Lit: 3
World: 3
USH: 4
Physics B: 3
SAT:
730 CR
720 M
610 W
High School:
Statewide Financial Literacy competition champion.
Founder and Head Delegate of HS Model UN
Paid Work throughout
Some Volunteer work (~40 hrs)
College:
Selective Political Affairs Internship (involves meeting with congressional leaders)
- Work published in largest VT newspaper as a result.
Hoping to secure a research position next year with one of my favorite professors
You definitely need more ECs if you are shooting for schools like Columbia and Georgetown. These schools receive hundreds (maybe even thousands) of applications from transfer students with 3.7+ GPAs – this is almost a ‘requirement’. ECs allow you to stand out amongst those other applicants. Try doing something related to your intended majors.
I am sure GWU will admit you (60% sure). Good luck!
Keep in mind that even if you do not transfer, the DC area consortium opens up access to classes at Georgetown and GWU. Not necessarily the ideal solution if you are set on transferring, but think of it as your “safety”.
If you are focused on staying in the DC area (Columbia excepted, of course), I’d give a strong look to George Mason as well. Columbia and Georgetown are reachy, so having more than one match would be a good strategy. Also, given some of your non-econ/math classes and ECs, it seems like you might find the Philosophy, Politics & Economics major interesting.
@DreamSchlDropout - I highly doubt he will even consider George Mason, because he is considering applying to some of the most difficult schools in the country. George Mason is also a ‘downgrade’ from American. Unless he randomly runs into a financial burden, I do not think he will even acknowledge this option.
@Neurological He’s also ostensibly looking for a better fit in a better economics program. GMU may be a step down in the UNSWR rankings, but it;s arguably a step up for someone whose focus is econ.
@Neurological @DreamSchlDropout Thanks for the advice. Yeah, I realize my ECs are pretty weak. Luckily, I have all sophomore year to change that. Part of my decision to Transfer is also entirely superficial, in that I would prefer a diploma from an instantly recognizable University. American is a fine, albeit less mathematically inclined, institution, but whenever I tell people I go to American I feel like I’m talking about a for profit University. Prestige matters to me, and I’m sure that I could do better. I hope that doesn’t make me arrogant or pretentious, but if I’m putting myself into a ton of debt, I’d rather have a diploma to hang on a wall, rather than one to lock away because of embarrassment. That’s definitely an exaggeration, but I think it captures my sentiments pretty well.
I think I’m adding William and Mary, Lehigh, and Notre Dame to my tentative list, if anyone could chance me for those as well.