Colleges I ought to consider? [Transfer Student]

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I've been described by my high school teachers as "smart but lazy." An apt description, at least at that time, for I never exerted any effort in courses I disliked and I excelled only in the Liberal Arts. This began to change senior year, when I started to do well in math and science courses, studying, going to extra help sessions and striving to improve myself. But by then, the damage had already been done. My SATs were mediocre at best, with a 730 in english, Low 600s in Writing (I forget) and an embarrassing 500 for math. To compound this, I had a respectable 87 GPA, but I had done little to no extracurriculars. I also had decent AP scores (5 for AP World, American and European History, 4 for English 3 and 4, and 3 for Government) but in the end I had no choice but to attend a college that I had reserved as a last resort. </p>

<p>Right now I'm a freshman at the City College of New York, part of the City University of New York. Frankly, it's not half bad. The professors are great. Plus the chicks are cute. (an important factor in my book =O) However, I don't feel...well...comfortable. My friend attends NYU and she describes it as her perfect match. Maybe such an emotion would be elusive to me regardless of whatever school I attended, but I can't help but feel that maybe a school that fits me is out there. My G.P.A is a nice 4.0, and I feel I can maintain this to at least a 3.8-4.0 for a few more semesters. As for my extracurriculars, I'm a member of the Radio Club (a DJ to boot), and I plan to join the History and College Newspaper clubs next semester, as well as pursue an internship in a Law Firm (my major is Political Science, with a possible future in the legal field). </p>

<p>My question is: What Colleges are likely to accept me with my current stats? What are some good schools with excellent Political Science and Philosophy Departments? Should I transfer at all? When should I transfer? </p>

<ul>
<li>Thank you in advance.</li>
</ul>

2

<p>American, maybe?</p>

3

<p>Well yes...I'm assuming you're not making a snarky comment at my expense...though studying abroad would be awesome (especially in England.)</p>

4

<p>I think Sibelius meant American University in D.C.</p>

5

<p>Sib means American University (in DC). It's somewhat of a powerhouse for anything related to political science or the media. </p>

<p>On that note, GWU could be a good option as well.</p>

6

<p>Yes, I meant American University.</p>

7

<p>Oh of course, my friend goes to American. George Washington also sounds very interesting.</p>

8

<p>This is a more general question: With my current stats, what range of schools are available to me?</p>

9

<p>Hmmm...you should also look at LACs. They're likely to be more forgiving of your high schools stats, because...well, they want to attract more men. </p>

<p>This list could be a starting point for LACs, as it excludes all of the super-selectives: USNews.com:</a> America's Best Colleges 2008: A+ Options for B Students</p>

<p>I still maintain that being in DC would be a great option too (at either American or GW). </p>

<p>And keep in mind - if you're happy (as you appear to be), you don't have to transfer. Not everyone has a "soul mate" dream school. And that's okay.</p>

10

<p>And, actually, come to think of it, if you want to stay nearby, Fordham would be another solid option. :)</p>

11

<p>Today my mom asked me why I couldn't apply to an Ivy like Yale or Columbia. On the one hand...It would be awesome to attend a school with prestige and history, and I'd probably be euphoric if I got the chance to attend a school like that...on the other hand...do these schools necessarily have excellent philosophy or political science departments? And besides, are these schools even a practical possibility for me? The last things these schools want are MORE indian nerds, am I right? </p>

<p>I can't help but feel incredibly shallow after typing that diatribe. I've always prided myself as being the sort of person who didn't care about College Rankings or prestige...but in the end I'm attracted to Harvard and the other Ivy's purely on those grounds. Screw the cowboy-esque repudiation of all snobbery and academic elitism, I want the turtlenecks and Ivy Degree!</p>

<p>Well, maybe not. Those schools would probably drain my wallet as well as my energy. </p>

<p>Alright, let me calm down for a moment...I <em>don't</em> need to be an Ivy-Leaguer to be successful or fufilled...okay, I just had to repeat that mantra to myself a few times...world changer, your link intrigues me....I think I'd mesh well in a LAC...What are schools you'd recommend from that list?</p>

12

<p>"Smart but lazy" takes you out of the running for all top 20 LACs and top 40 universities. Consider Syracuse University, American University, University of Miami, Indiana University or Michigan State. From an adult perspective, "smart but lazy" is a difficult label to overcome. The Univ. of Kansas is a great school in a beautiful location that would welcome you.</p>

13

<p>That last post saddens me...but there's no point in whining now, I guess. I slacked off and I'm paying the price...But is there anyway to increase my chances for those top twenty LACS/forty Universities? I'm extremely hard working now...very fastidious in my work...will my standardized test scores and high school GPA forever haunt me?</p>

14

<p>
[quote]
world changer, your link intrigues me....I think I'd mesh well in a LAC...What are schools you'd recommend from that list?

[/quote]

For the social sciences....Goucher, Saint Mary's MD, Kalamazoo, Ursinus, Eckerd, Pitzer...off the top of my head.</p>

<p>And you should be in the running for all the schools on this particular list.</p>