Chances for a first year transfer?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey, I'm Stephanie, a freshmen at Florida Atlantic University, looking to transfer for Fall '06. </p>

<p>I'm applying to:
Stonehill (my first choice)
Boston University
Catholic
American
Salem College, NC
Clark
Smith
Northeastern
Richmond</p>

<p>I haven't really had the opportunity to get involved with any on-campus activities because 1) I'm a commuter, and it takes me about an hour to and hour and half to get to school depending on traffic 2) we've had a considerable ammount of normal events cancelled due to hurricanes. I am in the Honors program (about 20 students were accepted) though, which does include community service work, and I'm hoping my involvement with my old debate team will help also.</p>

<p>I'm taking 13 credits currently:
University Honors Forum - A (1 credit, honors course)
On Being Human Philosophy Seminar - A (3 credits, honors course)
Mathematics and Politics Seminar - B+ (3 credits, honors course)
History & Appreciation of Music - A (3 credits)
Introduction to Astronomy - A- (3 credits)</p>

<p>I'm not sure about the transferability of credits from the honors courses, all the schools I've contacted by email said they would most likely accept credit for the class it substitutes, but would consider it on an individual basis and couldn't give a definitive answer.</p>

<p>High School Stats:
Jupiter High School, Jupiter, Florida
Non-weighted GPA: 3.4
Weighted GPA: I'm not entirely sure, but I'd assume it's around a 3.8
SAT: 1270 (730 v/ 540 m - considering retaking)
ACT: ---
AP Exams: English Lit - 4; English Comp - 4</p>

<p>Extracurricular Acitivites:
JHS Speech and Debate Team (9, 10, 11, 12) - This is by far my "stand out" EC; Points Chairman (11), President (12), Member of the National Forensic League (Degree of Superior Distinction - 810 pts.), Varsity Letter awarded (12, 11, 10), Ranked 1st all-time point earner for JHS, Debater of the Year, Ranked 1st Overall (10, 11, 12), Qualified for and broke at numerous national tournaments (including states & catnats), etc. Founded the "Summer Classics Series" (debate camp for middle schoolers) and coached a middle school debate team (10, 11, 12), currently a "volunteer coach" for two high school debate teams.</p>

<p>JHS Mock Trial Team (11, 12) - President (12)</p>

<p>JHS Law Club (11, 12 ) - President (12)</p>

<p>Social Studies National Honor Society (11, 12)</p>

<p>I know it's not an incredible amount of information to go on, but what do you guys think?</p>

2

<p>Your college grades look to be pretty good (I think you have above 3.7, right?), if so, as long as you meet the minimum number of credits needed, you shouldn't have too much trouble, if any. </p>

<p>However, the competitive schools will probably want more than just two semesters, and proof that you can handle heavier courseloads. Also, make sure you are meeting the general requirements like english, natural sciences, etc. since two of your classes are labeled as "seminars" it may not look too challenging on a transcript.</p>

3

<p>Yeah, it's at a 3.76 right now, though I'm sure that could fluctuate some. If you include my AP classes, I should have about 30 credits by the time I transfer, and the minimum is 24. </p>

<p>My biggest concern is my wanting to transfer so early. The seminars are all upper level, gordon rule classes (the prereq for the math class is matrix theory, which is nice because I'm definitely weak in math), and since I have to include information from FAUs course catalog in addition to my transcript, I was hoping that might provide a bit more of an explantion of what the classes entail. But I'm trying to take another course on next semester so I can have some other core curric credits that will easily transfer, and I appreciate the advice.</p>

4

<p>Bump - Perhaps someone else has some insight into whether or not I have a shot at the schools on my list?</p>

5

<p>Anyone? .........</p>

6

<p>Bump - some feedback would be much appreciated!</p>

<p>Also, I go in for advising tomorrow, and I was planning on taking three/four core class + one honors seminar instead of mainly honors seminars. Would it look bad to go from taking challenging to relatively easier courses? It's not that I feel I can't do well with the honors curriculum, I'm just concerned about the transferring of credits. Any ideas on this?</p>

7

<p>Also, sorry for the double post, but is it better to declare a major, if you know that major will change? I want to declare a major of Social Sciences for Secondary Education, because I think it will show that I have direction and know what I'm looking for, but at the same time, the schools I'm applying to don't offer this major. They instead tend to offer a History major/Secondary Education minor option. I prefer this to my current school's set up, but will it hurt me in admissions?</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

8

<p>Also, I just preregistered for my classes yesterday - is 12 credits too few? I was talking to my friend about it because she's taking 16 credits, but we're both taking 4 classes. Should I try adding another?</p>

9

<p>Is these anyone out there who has an opinion on any of this? Any help would be much appreciated!</p>