<p>Hey goblu3, based on your confirmed HS credentials, I think you might actually have a shot at getting in next semester (Winter 2012, I’m assuming). And I don’t intend to give you false hope or anything…I’m just saying that based on my personal experience and that it is possible to get in after one semester in college. I got into UMich (LSA) after my first semester and honestly, I didn’t think I had a chance to be admitted as a first year transfer. I pretty much applied with the mentality that “if I get in, fantastic; if I don’t, that’s okay…I’ll try again next next year.” Keep in mind, I wanted to go to UMich really, really badly; I was one of the “applied, waitlisted, rejected” kids during my senior year of high school despite having good grades, honors/AP classes, etc. And like you, I watched all of my classmates get accepted and I ended up being the only one who didn’t get in. Of course, it sucked and I ended up hating my safety school, mostly because I was so hung up on going to UM. Needless to say, I was excited when I found out I got in, but I was more shocked that they admitted me as a first year student. Now, I don’t know how you feel about going to GWU, but I advise you to go into your first semester with an open mind because you may end up liking it and decide not to transfer, but if you do, just be prepared for a rejection the first time around. It’s nothing personal…it’s just most likely because of your freshman status. Your hypothetical stats from GWU sound fine, as long as you’re actually able to maintain those good grades and involvement in ECs when the time comes. Remember though, UMich is well-known for being misleading when it comes to admissions…some kids with 60 credits and 4.0s don’t get in, while others with 3.0s and 25 ACT do. Sometimes it seems like luck of the draw, but as long as you present a good case, I think you should be okay.</p>
<p>I hope that enlightens you a little bit as far as my personal experience of being a first year transfer. Again, with the HS stats you provided, I think you’re comparable to a lot of incoming freshmen (some 6,000 of them), which gives you a better chance of getting in. If you feel vulnerable, so to speak, because of your GPA, use your essays to validate it and talk about what you’ve learned, how you’ve improved, etc. because of that experience. Another thing I wanted to mention is make sure you’re applying to UM because YOU want to, not because everybody else did and they got in. It doesn’t hurt to apply, but you should genuinely want to attend UM before you start filling out the application. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you in your college search and in the upcoming semester. Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.</p>