Could I?

<p>In high school I did poorly, MUCH below my potential, because I got involved with the 'wrong crowd' early. (No drugs or anything like that) But my stats are 3.2 GPA, 3.3 weighted, 31 ACT. I know I could have done a lot better because I used to get great grades, even straight A's. Now I've realized my mistake and hope to correct it.</p>

<p>If I do extremely well in college, is it possible to transfer to an Ivy League school, or a caliber similar? I cannot even express how devoted and determined I am, I know I could do outstanding. I'm willing to put in more work than anyone else. I'll go to a decent school, probably Michigan State or Indiana U, and my major is economics. Then I hope to transfer after my sophmore year, so that I have more college weight.</p>

<p>Could I transfer to a University of Chicago, Dartmouth, Columbia type?</p>

<p>This is my list of schools: UChicago, UPenn, Dartmouth, Columbia, Northwestern, Georgetown, UC-Berkeley, UCLA, Emory, Cornell, Brown.</p>

<p>Is this possible? Has anyone heard of a story like mine? Could I do it? Advice? Please be honest. (I know I could get into Emory because they don't even ask for HS transcript after two years) THANKS!</p>

<p>UChicago, Northwestern, and Georgetown all have transfer admit % of around 20%. Dartmouth and Columbia are like 7%, Cornell is near that too. I would be out of state for the UC's so I'm not too hyped on those, and I'm cool with that.</p>

<p>Also, I was thinking of explaining my situation to the schools I transfer to. Tell them and show my devotion and determination.</p>

<p>If you have a very strong GPA in college, in the 3.7 + range, then you will be a very competitive applicant at any school you apply to, especially those with higher transfer % admissions.</p>

<p>Obviously, the higher the GPA the better.</p>

<p>In addition, try to develop strong relationships with all of your professors, especially one or two in particular that you can count on for writing your recommendations. Extensively work on your essays to explain WHY you want to transfer and identify everything you offer your intended school.</p>

<p>Like you mentioned, the more years away from high school, the less of an importance your high school grades will play.</p>

<p>You can definitely do it. Good luck!!</p>

<p>Yes, you can do it. RickVA's advice is excellent.</p>

<p>Be aware, though, that you can show how qualified you are for those schools and actually BE well qualified and still not get in. It happens and it is no reflection on you. It is just the percentages at such selective schools.</p>

<p>So, if your initial school is a good one, then make sure you either let yourself see all the good in it, in case it ends up to be your school for all four years. Or, add some safer schools to your transfer application list, just in case.</p>

<p>THANK YOU SO MUCH GUYS! I really appreciate it. Good advice is hard to come by. I'm really devoted, and you both been very reassuring and comforting.</p>

<p>But this isn't a closed topic, I'd love many other responses and feedback. Thanks!</p>

<p>If you maintain a good gpa, are actively involved in various clubs, do volunteer work, etc. You can surely think of transferring anywhere..I suggest taking hard courses and getting straight As on them..Also, Colleges are aware about the Institutes that have hard course curriculum.
You should have a story as whole. Market yourself in your essays. If there is a special reason about why your high school gpa is low then, be ready to explain it. Your story should be coherent! If it is then, you stand a good chance of getting into any of the colleges you have mentioned. Be motivated and show your determination!!
Goodluck!</p>

<p>Thanks for the reassurances! It makes me feel A LOT better.</p>