Chances for a CCC Sophomore

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Like a good many of you, I have been lurking silently behind my computer screen, reading through everyone's postings, accountless. I finally motivated myself to register, and am consequently ready (and might I add excited) to tackle on any challenges your advices may pose.</p>

<p>So here's the deal - I was a defiant little rascal in high school. I had virtually no sense of direction and was such a rebel that cops were involved on more than one occasion. Moreover, my GPA was pretty ghastly, ranging somewhere from a 0.5 to a 1.8 (and not a single point higher). It wasn't until I had an epiphany (as prompted by a number of things, some more obvious than others) that I had begun taking my life more seriously. I decided to take the CHSPE (a graduation equivalent comparable to the GED) to start anew. The goal was not necessarily to erase my past, but to better represent myself and my potentials in such a way that was not properly implemented in my high school records.</p>

<p>Now I'm situated at a community college, a semester ahead of my peers, with the following stats:</p>

<p>Ethnicity: Southeast Asian/Pacific Islander
Location: California</p>

<p>SAT: N/A as of yet; plan on taking them in the Fall
Major: Linguistics with an emphasis on foreign languages
GPA: 4.0 w/ a total of 47.5 semester units
- Active member of the Alpha Gamma Stigma Honor Society
- French Club
- Dean's List
- A.A. in French</p>

<p>Work Experience:
- 8 months as a hostess at a chain restaurant
- 2 years as a front desk representative/concierge at a household name hotel (I always worked just a few hours short of full-time)
- Was recently hired on campus as a French/English/ESL tutor for this Fall semester (and ongoing if applicable)</p>

<p>Additional ECs:
- Volunteer English conversation partner for an int'l student at a local university
- Volunteer ESL Tutor for refugees at a well-renowned, non-profit organization
- Was the featured artist of the month at an illustrious European Decor boutique where I exhibited and sold a collection of my oeuvres (whatever was sold went towards my schooling)
- Writing Internship for an Asian journal (one can purchase this newspaper at any Asian market); contributed articles/photos/drawings</p>

<p>Miscellaneous Info:
- Although I am a dependent of my single mother, I carried my own weight when it came to my tuition, meals, and gas (auto upkeep inclusive) using the funds from my jobs and side gigs. I also contributed significantly to the housework.
- I can get recommendations from my Math, French, & English professors
- I have taken as many classes related to my major that my school has to offer (i.e., French Directed Studies, Latin 1 [unfortunately it doesn't go any further], up to French 5, Intro to Shakespeare, etc.)</p>

<p>I am applying as a transfer for the fall semester of 2010 to the following universities: NYU, Columbia, UC Berkeley, UCLA, McGill, Uni of Chicago, and I'm reaching for the stars on this one, Yale</p>

<p>I'm open to any constructive criticism and/or advice you may have for me. I'm also up for any suggestions to other universities that may similarly suit my academic endeavors. I recognize that my non-existent SAT scores make it difficult to assess, however I'm hoping you can give me counsel notwithstanding. Tell me how I can make myself more competitive, and other things that may improve my stats.</p>

<p>Please and thanks!</p>

2

<p>I know. I know. I wrote too much.</p>

<p>My background is not exactly traditional so I’m sure that your advice won’t come easily. Give it a try anyway if you can!</p>

3

<p>Add Stanford to the list.</p>

4

<p>Your spotty high school record will make it difficult to determine which schools will be matches/safeties (the reaches are obvious); however, you’ve made a terrific turnaround. If you can harness your story in a positive, moving essay that shows insight beyond your specific experience, you should have good results. Epiphanies, followed by results, are much appreciated by colleges. Columbia, Yale, and Stanford are going to be tough. You need to add some slightly less competitive schools if you want to make sure you can transfer out.</p>

5

<p>Ah, you’re a woman. What about adding Scripps, Wellesley, Bryn Mawr, and/or Smith?</p>

6

<p>The UCs are a very good match!</p>

7

<p>Thank you both for the wonderful advice and suggestions.</p>

<p>To Momwaitingfornew: I will definitely look into those schools to see if they are a fit. I’m intrigued as I have great things about all of them. I’m really interested in Stanford as I’ve heard that they are welcoming towards non-traditional students. I’ve had the opportunity to see the campus on several occasions as I live no more than 20 minutes away from it. I also volunteered for one of their student-run, non-profit organizations. I’m hoping this will give me an edge.</p>

<p>To gaalme: As much as I feel that the UCs are a good match for all CCC students (given that they play their cards right), I would much rather prefer transferring to a university situated somewhere in the east coast. However, given my poor academic history, I may end up having to attend a UC. And not that there is anything wrong with UCs (because they are prestigious in their own right), I just feel that my calling is elsewhere.</p>

<p>I was also thinking about Tulane for a less competitive school.</p>

<p>Thanks again. Anyone else…?</p>

8

<p>Whom, you are the shining example of how community colleges can do a world of good and the value of hard work. I have little advice I can offer you, but I do have a great deal of admiration for your post-high school success. Best of luck transferring. :)</p>

9

<p>Thank you so much phanatic! I really worked for it. Like every other zealous college student, I lost sleep, missed out on social affairs, and became <em>super</em> focused on everything in which I was both academically and philanthropically involved. Anyone can do it, really! It’s simply a matter of prioritizing and managing your time well. Best of luck to your future endeavors!</p>

10

<p>Hey Whom, </p>

<p>Sorry it took me this long to respond. Let’s get to business! You’re Post High School stats look GREAT. I really feel that if you play your angle/cards right, you can turn out to be strong candidate for a lot of schools. For one, I’d recommend a Junior transfer to further negate your high school record, giving yourself a better chance. Also, keep up the great work in terms of GPA/EC’s/Work experience, because they are all key. </p>

<p>While a high GPA is expected, I personally feel that it’s more a standard than anything. Majority of the applicants will have a high GPA, some with a more rigorous coursework than others, and it’s going to be your essays, leadership work/ec’s that’s going to set you apart. In my opinion, getting close to a 4.0 will be necessary for consideration, the rest of your application is what gets you admitted. </p>

<p>If possible, I’d recommend getting an officer position in the French club, and search for any other positions you can find. For the common app essay on writing about an extracurricular activity, I’d advise you to write about one where you took charge, and lead a team to success. Maybe an event you successfully sponsored for the French Club? Throwing out ideas! </p>

<p>Work experience is key, especially major related work experience as it shows your commitment. Keep up the great work in that regards. Sustain/Form some friendly relationships with professors, supervisors for recommendations. On the essay, write on something that you are passionate about. Whether it’s your passion on language (Assuming your trilingual, that’s pretty awesome), or your life changing epiphany, they can all be executed beautifully.</p>

<p>In retrospect, the transfer process looks really hectic and packed with loads of work. It looks like you want this and have the right reasons. You’re obviously committed, and for that, it shouldn’t be too hard for you to complete the process. I’m not worried about you, but good luck. :D</p>

<p>Edit: Not sure if this helped much. Message me if you have any specific questions or subjects you’d like comments on.</p>

11

<p>Thank you for taking the time to write! I really appreciate your input. I am messaging you right now. Thanks!! :)</p>

12

<p>I really dont know whether you’ll get in but… congrats on turning your life around. seriously… keep up the good work</p>

13

<p>Thanks! Yeah, like many CC members like to put it, it’s a crapshoot. I don’t doubt the harsh realities behind applying to these top tier universities as a transfer student. I am however hopeful and optimistic, and willing to put myself out there anyway.</p>

14

<p>Hey guys</p>

<p>Just to offer some hindsight on the issue at hand. Most top 10 colleges, in my opinion, couldn’t care less about your high school academic record. Your most recent records hold more weight than your past ones. Even if you weren’t the most perfect applicant right out of High School, you can always score high on the SAT’s or ACT’s. But academic records will only get you so far. The most important part of your application is your essay. I know people with perfect stats that didn’t get into their top choices because they wrote essays that were less in quality in comparison to other applicants. </p>

<p>As for credibility, I scored a 26 on the ACT, but still got into Stanford, UChicago, Duke and others. Stanford was a statistical impossibility, but some adcoms are keen on looking beyond academic qualities. I will be going to UChicago this fall. And I know that the first thing that comes to mind is “hey, are you an idiot? why’d you choose UChicago over Stanford?” I’m big on academics and UChicago’s intellectual atmosphere compliments that perfectly. People should look beyond rankings and prestige, and truly judge a college on what it has to offer. I wish you guys the best of luck.</p>

<p>Sincerely,
TransferAccepted</p>

15

<p>^ Whoa, congratulations on Stanford!!! I can understand picking elsewhere, though, it should always be your decision. :slight_smile: I would have preferred Stanford’s environment myself, though (I’ve been there before).</p>

<p>OP, I just finished at my CCC. I don’t have a 4.0 but pretty high GPA nevertheless. I was accepted to all UCs I applied to (UC San Diego, UCLA, and UC Berkeley), Boston College, and recently to Duke. So keep your hopes up high!!</p>

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<p>TransferAccepted: You are truly an inspiration! I commend your ability to look past the prestige of a name for the purpose of pursuing a better fit. Thanks for the great advice as well. Good luck at U Chicago! Perhaps I’ll be seeing you there if plans go accordingly.</p>

<p>missyujin: Did you follow the IGETC? Also, if you don’t mind my asking, which school are you planning to attend?</p>

17

<p>To missyujin again: How terrible of me for forgetting to congratulate you on your matriculation to such great universities. Bravo!</p>

18

<p>:) No problem.</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Yes I did follow the IGETC. But the last semester (spring) I took four lit courses to fill the 60 UC-transferrable, since I’m an English major and all.</p></li>
<li><p>I plan on attending Duke University in fall. </p></li>
</ol>

<p>& Thanks!! :smiley: Good luck!!</p>

19

<p>Thanks missyujin! Have a blast at Duke. It seems like it’s a good fit.</p>

<p>Along with the SATs, I am considering taking the CLEP for French. Does anyone know if getting a great score on the CLEP adds more weight to your overall appeal as a transfer student?</p>

20

<p>Hey guys, I’m gonna try this again.</p>

<p>I decided against summer classes and work so I have had a lot of time to brainstorm and to reconsider my options for college. As such, I hope that I can pardon you all for more feedback.</p>

<p>In conjunction to the stats posted in the original thread, I have submitted a club/organization proposal to my school’s ASB coordinator, and am hoping to see results this upcoming fall semester (it seems rather likely with the responses/reactions I have gotten so far). In short, the club will assist my CC’s outstanding ESL community in facilitating their English proficiency and language skills through casual and applied conversation. If I am able to follow through with this idea, I will be the club’s founder and president.</p>

<p>Moreover, I am opting for an officer position at my school’s French club. Again, if this pans out as planned, I will have the distinction of the ESL Assistance Club president & founder, and the French Club president/vice president/treasurer/whatever I can get, all in addition to my aforementioned stats. I will also have honors status and will be presenting a research project at an honors society symposium.</p>

<p>Reminder: I am a linguistics major w/ an A.A. in French. By spring time of next year, I will have accumulated roughly 60-transferable units and will therefore be applying as a fall 2010 transfer to the following universities: McGill, U Chicago, NYU, Stanford, Yale, Cornell, U Penn, Brown, UCB, and UCLA. I have heard recently that UCB and UCLA will close off transfer admission for fall next year, though I have not yet confirmed this. For now, let’s assume that this info is false.</p>

<p>Giving my stats [on the original thread] another gander and some consideration, along with these recent advancements, what could I do to improve my chances on matriculating into one of these fine institutions? Besides receiving high SAT scores, getting exceptional LOR’s, and maintaining my GPA, what more could I be doing? Should I consider engaging in more extracurriculars, and if so, which kinds?</p>

<p>I would truly love for some good, old-fashioned constructive criticism. Your feedback is greatly appreciated!</p>