Chances for a transfer applicant with a low GPA.

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>The Situation: I am about to begin my second year of college at Binghamton University (State University of New York) in a couple of weeks, but after being so unhappy at school during freshman year, I hope to apply to various schools as a transfer applicant for Spring 2011 admission. Unfortunately, my GPA is less than stellar, and of course, grades are a huge factor in admission to the schools I wish to apply to. I did make Dean's List last semester, but I suppose this gives you a rough idea of how badly I did first semester.</p>

<p>The Schools:
Universities: College of William & Mary, NYU, Cornell
Liberal Arts Colleges: Barnard, Colgate</p>

<p>The Questions: What are my chances at getting into the schools I wish to apply to? Do I have a better chance at some of these schools than others, and if so, which schools? Should I postpone applying altogether and wait another semester to improve my GPA? (I should note that I hope to avoid this because I am really not happy at my current college.)</p>

<p>Stats
Cumulative College GPA: 3.25
Extracurricular activities: concertmaster of the symphony orchestra
Interests: violin (12 years), piano (13 years)</p>

<p>High School GPA: 3.6
SAT: 2140 (CR: 710, M: 690, W: 740)
SAT II: U.S. History: 720, Biology: 700
Extracurricular activities: Student Body President (senior year), Class Vice President (freshmen-junior year), honors level string orchestra (3 years, concertmaster in my senior year), chairperson of our school's peer leadership program, model congress, National Honor Society, Tri-M Music Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, various youth orchestras outside of school</p>

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<p>With the possible exception of NYU, a 2140 is below-the-line for the other schools you mentioned as a freshman applicant. Given that you are applying as a transfer (which is actually <em>harder</em>) and your GPA from a less competitive school is not really that outstanding, I think your transfer prospects for those schools would be challenging.</p>

3

<p>From my understanding, my SAT score is pretty much on par with these schools, or at least, the average student at these schools, unless I’m misinterpreting the statistics…</p>