Chances for transfer from a Service Academy

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am currently a student at the U.S. Naval Academy in the class of 2011 and am looking to transfer to another university at the end of my sophomore year. Though I enjoy life at the academy, I do not think that a career in the military, even the five year committment, suits my interests and goals.</p>

<p>I have selected electrical engineering as my major at the academy and would like to transfer to the engineering schools at Columbia, Northwestern, Brown, Penn, or Cornell.</p>

<p>My record thus far includes:</p>

<p>Highschool GPA of 3.89, top 1% of class
Naval Academy GPA of 3.76 after two semesters, top 10% of class</p>

<p>I have recieved A's in all of my technical courses and my GPA would be much higher had I not recieved a B in seamanship and a C in navigation (both of which are courses based on memorization rather than critical thinking).</p>

<p>I have not recieved any demerits and would be leaving the Academy in good standing</p>

<p>Does someone with my credentials have a chance at these schools as a transfer applicant? Any insight would be appreciated.</p>

2

<p>Also, my SAT scores are as follows:</p>

<p>Math 770
Critical Reading 700
Writing 690</p>

<p>Total 2160</p>

3

<p>I think you have a shot at being accepted at all those schools, particularly Northwestern. With the Ivies it's a bit harder to predict, as the number of acceptances they take can oft be rather variable (but almost always very competitive). Your GPA is (probably) high enough to where that wouldn't be the deciding factor in your application... it'll most likely come down to your ECs, essays and recs. </p>

<p>If you really want to get out of the academy no matter what, then I highly advise that you apply to some safeties. Have you looked into some other schools that are top notch but have higher transfer acceptance rates (Rice comes to mind)?</p>

4

<p>On the safety line, it might help for you to look at the public universities in your home state that have decent electrical engineering programs. Remember, a "safety" that will admit you, but that you can't afford, isn't a safety at all!</p>