Community College Transfer... Where can I go?

Transfer Students
1

Hi, I’m just going to jump right into it… I’m currently attending my community college (I don’t know if I’m going to stay for two years or just one).
High school stats:
3.1 GPA
Extracurriculars: Assistant Yearbook Editor, Captain on Mini-Thon, as well as balancing two jobs.
SAT/ACT: Did not take as I knew I would be going to my community college.

College Stats:
Major: Biology
3.48 GPA
I have two jobs (a lead at a local family owned farm, and a shift lead at a drug store).
I belong to three college clubs, one of which I started (#3):

  1. Lions Club
  2. Business Association
  3. Founder and President of my college’s Lemon Club (Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation)
    I also volunteer at my church’s food drives during Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    I’m close with my one boss and most professors, especially my advisor for my club so I will have great letters of rec, and a fairly good essay.

I would like to transfer to any college in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, Maryland, Virginia… basically I want to transfer somewhere in the northeast I just don’t know where I can go! I really like University of Pittsburgh, Drexel University, and Penn State. I also have been looking at Villanova (Dream School), Lehigh, Bucknell, Lafayette and Northeastern University but I feel like those are a BIG reach, if a possibility at all!

Feel free to give me a recommendation for any other colleges you might feel suitable for me. Thanks in advance for your response I’m going crazy trying to figure this all out!

2

Is financial aid an issue for you? I could give you a better idea based on your financial need.

3

Fortunately it is not, plus I’m saving plenty with Community College lol. And thank you for your reply!

4

I would not say that Villanova is a reach for you. They accepted around 40% of transfer applicants last year and your college grades are good. I think it’s actually a pretty good match. One thing I would advise, though, is to really focus on the essay and on the extracurriculars (particular community service) part of the application. Villanova is one of those schools with a strong commitment to community service (partially due to their religious affiliation). You need to make it clear WHY it is your dream school, why you believe you would fit in there, and what you can bring to the table.

I would also consider Fordham if you don’t mind living in NYC.

5

That is very comforting to hear! Do you think that I would be able to transfer into Villanova after one year of community college, or should I stay for two? And thanks for the recommendation on Fordham, I have heard about it but I have not researched it. Now I am haha thanks again!

6

You could always apply now, and if you don’t get in, apply next year… But I think you have a reasonable shot this year.

7

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