Duke to Harvard

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey guys! (thanks for reading this)</p>

<p>I am a freshman at Duke and I really want to transfer to Harvard but I know it’s really tough so I’m trying to be realistic. As a senior in high school, I was wait-listed at Harvard (after getting two interviews and winning the Harvard Prize Book Award…they really did get my hopes up). I was pretty disappointed because I LOVE Boston and I love the school, but I guess I was lucky to at least have options (Penn and Duke). When I visited Duke, I loved the campus and I got a lot of positive feedback from the students. Now that I’m here, my views differ. I don’t like the social atmosphere at all and I really miss not having a city that’s integrated with the university. It’s just not a good fit for me. In terms of opportunity, I would love to major in biology at Harvard, concentrating in molecular genetics and microbio. They have this awesome RNAi screening center so it’s just a great place for research (no, duh).</p>

<p>I guess my high school credentials were decent since I got wait-listed. I’m not really sure how admissions officers judge the freshman semester of college though which is what I would love to know more about.</p>

<p>These are the courses I am taking this semester:</p>

<li>Accelerated Inorganic Chem</li>
<li>Genetic Engineering</li>
<li>Cognitive Psychology</li>
<li>Global Health</li>
</ol>

<p>So far, I have all As and I hope I can maintain them through the semester.</p>

<p>I’m also working in a molecular genetics and microbio lab. BUT…I DO have a life…I’m in the Duke University Marching Band and a couple other organizations (global health related). </p>

<p>The two profs (chem and psych) who are writing recommendations for me are Harvard grads, but I don’t know how much that will help. </p>

<p>Harvard took only 75 people out of 1100 last year and that was HIGH compared to most years. In fact, two Duke students transferred last year but I don’t know if that will be the case this year (the freshman class is pretty full).</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated!</p>

2

<p>If not accepted, you will probably be waitlisted. You are in pretty much the best possible shape of the candidates applying to Harvard. Just keep your grades up, write good essays, and hope for the best:)</p>

3

<p>thanks, nspeds!</p>

4

<p>Chem 23, Psy 92, and I'm guessing two Bio seminars? Not too difficult, but a reasonably tough schedule to balance with ecs. High school records count more for sophomore transfers, but a 4.0 in rigorous classes will definitely help. </p>

<p>It can take a while to love Duke. Been there, done that. It took me most of my freshman year to really feel comfortable, but Duke seemed a lot more awesome once I found a niche and activities with people who shared my interests. Have you checked out the Global Health certificate? I suggest swinging by Alspaugh to talk with Prof. Cook-Deegan, the faculty-in-residence there...he might be able to advise you on some available courses/research in genomics and global health.</p>

5

<p>hey! Bob Cook-Deegan gave a lecture for my Global Health class. I dunno...I heard it takes awhile to get used to for some people but I'm definitely sure about at least applying.</p>