This is my first college confidential post everyone.
I will be a sophomore at a top100 school in fall 2017. Up until a few days ago, I attended an unranked school for my entire freshman year. However, I want to transfer once again, in fall 2018. My plan is to (try) and transfer to: Emory, Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Tufts, Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, UChicago, and UPenn.
My college stats (political science major)-
3.33 fall
3.8 spring
1 upcoming semester before I apply
extracurriculars-
model arab league
work at school’s financial aid office
prestigious summer internship (2017)
goodwill mentor
colorado puppy rescue
colorado democrats
Hs stats:
2.7 uw (r.i.p.) 2.9 W
failed multiple classes
ACT 23 (thinking bout retakin it)
I write killer personal statements btw
I’m a poor URM (so i’m at a disadvantage at need-aware schools)
What are my chances gaining acceptance at one of the previously mentiioned schools? Is it a waste of time to apply for 10+ unis while in school? Or should I just follow my dreams and go for i t?
Your HS stats are terrible for these type of schools, however your performance in college seems to improving so you may want to try for a few schools, though I am not sure of your chances. If it is your dream to get into those schools you should go for it.
Also you have to retake your ACT because it is probably the weakest part of your application.
Transferring to an Ivy/University of Chicago is an ultimate crapshoot. Very high reaches for them since you will need a legitimate reason to transfer and there will be few students who transfer out.
You already have 1 transfer record on your college transcript so I have a feeling that that the adcom will reject you just on that basis. Also unless you have a perfect GPA for the year, not likely that you will be able to transfer in.
I would maximize the opportunities at your present school, get the best GPA possible, and try to apply as a graduate student.
I have plans to go to law school, but I want to receive the best education possible/doors open with top20 degree. From all the comments so far, it seems like it would be a waste of effort to apply. But don’t I have a certain advantage because I’m a URM/1stgencollege/1stgenAmerican and have faced significant obstacles?
BTW, any tips for retaking ACT? Recommendations on textbooks, study guides, etc.?
Hey! I’d consult your advisor and reach out to the admissions office at the schools you’re looking to apply at and see what they say. I’m not familiar with how this will play out for you since I’m a health science/DPT major, but if they advise you to retake the ACT, use the Barron’s book.
From my perspective, I would do the four years at your institution and do the very best that you can. If you’re satisfied with what you have at the end, then try and aim for law school. Again, consult your advisor and other schools’ admissions offices about what you can do.
Hope this helped and best of luck!