<p>I’m a 3rd year computer science transfer student who’ll be transferring from a Virginia community college. My top choices in order of importance are UVA, VT, and GMU. Although certain people have discouraged me from applying to UVA I really am in love with the CS program in the school and am trying everything within my reach to get accepted.</p>
<p>Initially I was satisfying the requirements for the B.A in computer science which I now understand only/mostly differs in the non-computer science courses one is required to take. But recent months have shifted my way of thinking quite a bit and I really would love to go under the engineering department. I actually never intended on going the B.A route that was a huge mistake. I also had done poorly in my Calc 1 class (low C) as I took it online and wasn’t able to learn the material as well as I thought I would. I’m actually retaking it this semester and I’ve only had straight A’s, so I guess my theory was right.</p>
<p>I’ve heard certain people say this should be ok as long as it’s stated in my essay. Other’s said you shouldn’t apply any more, but again I really want to give UVA a try. From contacting different people I now know they use the SAT scores as well. My SAT scores were not good math 460, reading 390, writing 410. An assistant Dean at UVA had recommended I retake these and get no less than 500 on each score. I have the College Board prep book and will be seeing khan academy videos between work and school, but I’m also open to other advice to get the best possible score (will be reading the threads on this forum).</p>
<p>I do have a huge fear regarding the fact that I haven’t satisfied most of the engineering requirements for these school because the B.A I was initially completing asked for more humanities and social courses. However, I do plan on taking Calc 2, physics, and chemistry next semester. This way I can satisfy the requirements for all schools. I just wonder if anyone has more advice for me. This process is quite stressful :(. </p>
<p>Also I’m not sure if it’ll be of help, but the following are the courses I have completed and plan on completing. You can see I’ve completed a little too many credits.</p>
<p>Would you say what could possibly be improved? Or should I simply kiss goodbye the dream of entering the engineering dept.? Maybe the B.A in CS is the only realistic choice?</p>
<p>@vaironl - Some questions, as I’m not entirely following you. I’m not all that familiar with the VCC system, but I thought there was a GAA between the VCCs and those schools. Are you covered by that? Or, are you applying outside of that? Or, is it just that you are covered for the Arts and Sciences part (for a BA in CS) but you’d rather be an Engineer (for a BS in CS) and you have not met the requirements to be covered under the Engineering portion of it? </p>
<p>I can’t comment on Va Tech or GMU in terms of transfer admissions. But if UVA is where you really want to be, by all means apply. No one here can tell you with 100% certainty whether you will be accepted or not. However, if you don’t want to, or can’t apply under the GAA, just know that IMO your current test scores are pretty low for them. Have you considered the ACT? If you find that your SAT scores haven’t improved significantly on your retake, possibly you may be better suited for that test. Your GPA is good though.</p>
<p>Are you attending a VA CC? Aren’t you covered by the Guaranteed Admission Agreements for each of those colleges? I believe you need a 3.5 GPA for UVA and W&M. I’m under the impression you must finish an Associate degree to be eligible. A little google should tell you what you need. I thought the CC’s had transfer counselors to help you plan your transfer classes. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you all for providing a great amount of information and feedback. Because I was completing the B.A for computer science I will not be able to meet the GAA other than the B.A at UVA. I know going for the B.A seems like the best choice here, but I’m afraid about how difficult it will be if I want to continue on to graduate studies.</p>
<p>@justlookingnow thanks for providing other possible options. I was initially sent a recommended path of courses to take by my counselor, but I received the transfer guide for a B.A rather than B.S for computer science. I never took the time to research myself if these courses were appropriate for transferring (initially I wasn’t sure of what college to attend). My counselor gave them to me and I simply took them. Also, my SAT scores were from 2011 when I was still in high school was becoming more proficient in English, still am, and was a bit less educated in a way. I’m thinking that I could get that score up with lots of practice.</p>
<p>@OspreyCV22 I’m currently attending the Northern Virginia CC. I can still attempt to go for the requirements for the GAA, but I won’t meet them at least for UVA or VTech and I will have way too many credits which won’t be accepted anyways.</p>
<p>I wonder if certain aspects of my life would help including that I’m a minority lived with a single parent for a while and currently have an internship in the field might help. I’m also thinking about contacting professors in the department directly.</p>
<p>At the end of the day I understand realistically I have a low chance at this and I changed my mind too late, but I also don’t want to give up the dream of attending UVA (dream school).</p>
<p>…“I wonder if certain aspects of my life would help including that I’m a minority lived with a single parent for a while and currently have an internship in the field might help. I’m also thinking about contacting professors in the department directly…”</p>
<p>All that should help. I’m not familiar with the applications or deadlines for transfer but I bet you have a chance. </p>