Fall 2015 transfer to UM with low GPA

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Michigan
1

<p>Hi, I am a current undergraduate student at the University of Rochester and I am considering a transfer to the University of Michigan. My reasons for transferring are that the school spirit/athletics at the UR as well as the social scene are lacking significantly. One of the things that is holding me back from transferring is the considerable scholarship and financial aid package I received from the UR; I only need to pay about 1/2 of the total tuition. Regardless, UMich was my dream school and I was wait listed when I first applied for freshman year. What concerns me most is that my college GPA for my first semester was very poor: a cumulative of around 2.8. I was initially enrolled in four classes but I dropped one because I didn't like the class or the professor and I had already gotten AP credit for the class. I made the stupid mistake of thinking that my study habits from high school would work for college; I was mistaken and now I think I've trapped myself from having the opportunity to transfer, should the U of R not be the place I want to stay. Lastly, I am an Econ major who is also going Pre-Med. I am hoping to apply to Michigan LSA.</p>

<p>Here are my stats:
High school GPA: 93.52
College GPA: 2.8
ECs:
Publicity Chair for Class Council 2018
Meliora Capital Management, Junior Analyst (investment club)
Colleges Against Cancer, Committee Member
Lab Assistant, Cytogenetics Lab, UR Medical Center (11, 12)
Link Leader (12, help freshman adjust to high school)
Varsity Soccer Team Manager (11, 12)
Relay for Life (11, 12)
Science Olympiad (11, 12 - Secretary)
Awards and Honors:
Tri-M Music Honor Society
National Honor Society
SAT (didn't take ACT): 2220
SAT subject tests: Math 2 (730), Chemistry (710)
APs (10 by end of Senior Year): 5 on Psych, 5 on Calc AB, 4 on Chem, 4 on Micro and Macroeconomics</p>

<p>What are the chances that, despite my poor GPA in college, I'll be offered admission at the University of Michigan?</p>

2

<p>Unfortunately since you’re a prospective transfer, your high school resume isn’t going to matter much, and your 2.8 makes it truly unlikely you’ll be admitted. Since it’s only been a semester, though, you still have a chance if you continue at U of R for another semester or two, achieve straight A’s (getting the GPA up to ~3.5-3.6 if possible), and try applying then.</p>

<p>As of right now, though, chances are slim.</p>

3

<p>The two largest factors in transfer admission are credit standing and gpa. UM has typically looked for near junior standing (55 cr.) and gpa >3.5. The only people who tend to get accepted after one semester are those who got in as a freshman. It’s still possible, best of luck! </p>

4

<p>Thanks for the replies @MaxSDax‌ and @entenduintransit‌. I really appreciate your feedback</p>

5

The bigger question is what is your state of residence? If you are OOS, there will be little to no aid. Can you afford that? If so, then I agree, get those grades up significantly this semester, minimum 3.0. Also, check the transfer website, because you also need to have specific pre-requisites completed. Good luck!

6

Thank you @Osserpusser‌! You bring up a very good point–I am OOS (NY) and even if I was accepted to Michigan, I doubt their financial aid could be as generous as Rochester’s.

7

Yea, I sadly speak from experience. There is little to no merit aid for OOS save for the tippy top students (which is very high, as you can imagine). OOS FA is mostly loans.