<p>I applied to Yale early as a Freshman and was deferred then rejected with a 2330 SAT and 35 on the ACT . I now have a 3.76 GPA at Columbia, and I am considering applying as a transfer student. I have lots of extracurricular involvement at Columbia, with some leadership. My high school transcript shows nothing below an A-, with mostly A's and A+'s. I was also extremely involved in extracurriculars in high school and held LOTS of leadership positions. Thoughts?</p>
<p>What don’t you like about Columbia?</p>
<p>Man, I wish I was you. </p>
<p>…</p>
<p>I’m pretty sure I will be. (;</p>
<p>A couple things. Although at first it was really cool to be going to college in New York, once the novelty wore off i realized that i would rather have more of a traditional college experience and save the city for graduate school or beyond. I feel like the people at Columbia care more about the city than the school, which makes for very little school spirit and not too much community. There are other reasons, but those are some major ones. Also, Yale was my dream school to begin with. I love pretty much everything about it.</p>
<p>I’m sorry to hear that. Have you thought about finding some campus activities that interest you? My son, who is also a first-year at Columbia, has not been able to spend much time in the city because he has so much going on within the four walls of the campus. Between his fraternity and his club sport, his cup is full.</p>
<p>By the way, I’m not suggesting that you not apply to Yale, but perhaps your affection for Yale would diminish a bit if you fell in love with Columbia. If you’re admitted to Yale, I’m sure you can rekindle that affection.</p>
<p>well i think you’re about as competitive as it gets for yale. normally i tell people not to bother but you have the stats for it. you need to write some kick-butt essays</p>
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<p>While certainly competitive, OP is not as “competitive as it gets.” A 3.9 from Princeton has a better chance, for example. And believe me, such applicants do exist.</p>
<p>which leads me to my next question: any suggestions as to what makes a “kick-butt” transfer essay?</p>
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<p>Probably don’t focus on this, lest you look like you’re gunning for prestige.</p>
<p>the “why yale” essay isn’t really the issue; I have lots of concrete, specific reasons for wanting to go to Yale. My issue is more with the personal statement</p>
<p>any advice?</p>
<p>Anyways I am the opposite of the OP. I am hoping to get admitted into Columbia or another top Ivy for undergrad as a transfer and then go to Yale, Harvard, or Stanford for grad school (which maybe law or medical).</p>
<p>IMO the personal statement should address something about you, how you think, how you view the world, that is not contained in any other part of your application. Beyond that, there is no recipe for a great essay as far as topic, structure, etc.</p>