Considering all factors (athletics, grades, ECs...)

Transfer Students
1

<p>I was wondering if anyone had an idea how important all the various factors were in considering a transfer admission.</p>

<p>For starters I am currently at the United States Air Force Academy. I came here as a recruited football player. I'm not really sure about the military, so I'm going to get out of here.</p>

<p>Here's the thing, I had some decent grades while playing football here, so will they take into account that I was an intercollegiate athelete when looking at my application? Also do you think that the admissions offices will take into account the fact that I've also been spending a lot of time with the military duties that being in a school such as this entails?</p>

<p>1st sem at USAFA I had a 3.5 GPA in-season football and this semester I think I'll have at least a 3.3. I'm taking 21.5 hours this semester and I took 15 last semester. My SAT was a 1500 (800v, 700m) and i had a 3.98 GPA unweighted with an IB diploma in high school. I had numerous ECs like nattional honor society and all-area player of the year in football. </p>

<p>Do you guys think that these extra things (intercollegiate athletics, varied ECs and good grades in high school) would be enough to differentiate myself from the seeming norm on here of kids with 1600SATs and who took 23 AP tests? I have managed to get a couple of really good recommendations, one from a civilian instructor and one from a Lt. Colonel. I am applying for transfer to Harvard, Yale and GA Tech. </p>

<p>If anyone has any thoughts or advice let me know.</p>

2

<p>
[quote]
would be enough to differentiate myself from the seeming norm on here of kids with 1600SATs and who took 23 AP tests?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>The "norm" on this forum is hardly representative of the actual pool of transfer applicants; moreover, there are few transfers on this forum who are applying to HY with a score above a 1500. </p>

<p>I think ECs and so forth do have somewhat of an impact, but the most important part (or one of the most) of the admissions process at such schools revolves around your reasons for wanting to transfer.</p>

3

<p>Do you think that not wanting to be in the military is a good reason in the eyes of the addmissions boards?</p>

4

<p>That reason only tells me why you do not want to be in that specific school, not why Harvard and Yale would be the best for your needs; does Harvard offer something that cannot be found at Boston University or Boston College? If you can convince the adcom that there is something, and that you need it, then you have a decent shot. If you are just applying for the purpose of prestige, the adcoms will see it and they will not hesitate to reject on that fact alone, in my opinion.</p>