<p>Hi all, I'm hoping to transfer from a NY-state CC to either New York University or Carnegie Mellon University as a junior:</p>
<p>HS:</p>
<pre><code>GPA: 3.0/4.0 (unweighed honors, so it'd be closer to a 3.1 or 3.2 weighed if that makes any difference)
SAT: 1200/1600
EC: High school yearbook staff, designed pamphlets for a county-wide heating/cooling association
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<p>College [Computer Science Major]
Currently a second semester student</p>
<pre><code>GPA: 3.6/4.0 (Honors) (will be maintained, although I'll try to raise it to a 3.7)
EC:
- I play 4 instrumentals for about eight years now (unprofessionally: guitar/bass/piano/drums)
- I run a home graphic design business (which will be online soon, I've set up a home web server in my bedroom from scratch, all done on my own)
- member of my school's Computer Science Club (secretary and inline to be President)
- member of my school's Honors club
- member of Phi Theta Kappa
- I've been assembling my own computers and programming since I was about 13 years old
- I worked as a lifeguard for one summer, and now I will be working as a paid assistant for the NBA's New York Knicks year 'round
- I volunteer with my girlfriend about once a week for a couple hours at various locations planned through her workplace
I'm a first generation college student, and my grades in high school were hurt through family issues. I'm sure I could write some excellent essays, especially about living one of my dreams of working with professional basketball players. My SAT score kinda sucks, but I'm trying to make the best of what I got. I'd also like to note that I can get solid recommendations from two out of three of my Computer Science professors, I've been a standout student so far on a commuter campus.
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<p>Should I aim lower? I'm open to criticism, as I'm not planning to transfer for another year and I will use that time to improve.</p>
<p>Sadly 0, I went to a Trade school for high school so most of my time was spent on my major (Graphic Communications). I forgot to mention that I am certified by the National Occupation Board in Graphic Communications.</p>
<p>If I wait until I finish my Associates degree to transfer, will my High School grades be looked at?</p>
<p>I’d hate to bump so early, but I’d also like to ask that if anyone feels those two schools are a reach could you list a couple schools in the Northeast that would be more of a match? I’m also considering Stony Brook, RPI, Iona College, and Fordham.</p>
<p>UMD, RIT, WPI, Stevens Tech (Don’t be put off by its unknown status among students and low ranking, Stevens has some of the highest job placement at the best salaries in the nation)</p>
<p>Thanks for your response!
Bump for any more opinions/chances.</p>
<p>I’m ramping up my volunteer hours, launching my home business’ website, and am in the process of organizing a local walk for Parkinson’s disease as a couple additions to my ECs. I’d love to go to NYU, I’m kinda ruling CMU out at this time. </p>
<p>Considering:</p>
<p>NYU
City College (CCNY)
Iona College
Fordham University
Pace University</p>
<p>Although you may be transferring as a junior, at CMU, you will start as a freshman in the Design Dept. I’m a design graduate, and in my class we had anything from 18 year olds straight out of HS to people with degrees from other universities. It’s a very rigid program, and they start you from the beginning, and not much will transfer, especially not design credits. Not sure if even any of your gen ed credits will transfer. Good luck.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that for your personal essay prompt… if any of your ECs aren’t very relatable to the prompt… it’s not worth mentioning. So many people make the mistake of listing ECs, but lists are well… lists. Definitely talk about only relevant things in your personal statement. I’m currently trying to transfer to NYU-SCPS and just finished my 3rd draft. Take it to a writing tutorial service as you will quickly realize how difficult it is to write the best personal statement possible. I don’t settle for “good enough” :)</p>