Do I have a shot?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm a freshman at Oberlin College who will be applying to transfer for fall 2009. I have A's in all my classes (Bio 100 Lecture and Lab, Psych 100, Jewish History from Antiquity to 1492) and am active in volunteering at local animal shelters. </p>

<p>High school GPA: 3.87 with v. rigorous courseload
SAT score: 2220
SAT2 scores: 740 in Molec. Bio; 770 US History
AP Scores: All 5's on US History, European History, Spanish Language (I took AP English but didn't take the test)</p>

<p>Here's my only problem: it looks like I'm going to have to take a leave of absence from Oberlin for the spring semester for personal reasons. I will be taking classes as a non matriculated student at either BU or UMass Boston as well as getting a part time job. In May, I will be going to South Africa for a month to work at a natural park. But, I know that applying to transfer with only 1 semester as a matriculated student under your belt can put you at a disadvantage. I'm planning to apply to BU, NYU, Tufts, Brandeis, Fordham, Wesleyan, Smith, and UMass Amherst. </p>

<p>I'm really worried. Do you think I have a shot?</p>

2

<p>I think that your reasonable explanation for taking a leave of absence will be taken into consideration and on top of that you continued to push yourself. You definitely have a good shot at these schools, although you should check their individual requirements because I know some of NYU’s colleges require at least 30 credits to be considered for transfer admission.</p>

3

<p>I think UMass Amherst is definitely a safety. You are in without doubts! I think that the reasons for taking a leave is very important, since you have to provide a legitimate excuse about leaving your current school when you are doing fine. Also, if you can take classes at BU, definitely try to impress one or two profs there, and later ask for recommendations. I don’t know what your major is, but if you can relate your work in S. Africa to your academic planning and career goals, that would be better. You are a very good candidate, and good luck with the work in South Africa!</p>