<p>Hi, everyone. I've recently considered transferring from Boston University. I know that deadlines have already passed for a number of universities, but there are still opportunities left, I guess. My reasons for transferring are several: I'm dissatisfied with the general environment at this school-- it's gloomy and depressing. I've also considered changing my major, meaning I would likely be here an additional year, and that poses significant problem with financial aid: I would likely have to pay the 5th year in full-- I don't have $45,000 to dish out. </p>
<p>Could someone provide me with a list of schools that are safety, match, and reach given my current stats? I'm primarily interested in an academically good school suited for premed/science majors and one which will not screw me over monetarily. A friendly student body would also be nice. Should I perhaps wait an additional year, so that I can apply to schools with deadlines that have already passed? Also, do other schools take BU's grade deflation practices into account, or is that negligible? I appreciate everyone's help with this. I'm a first generation college student, so I've been in the dark with this process...</p>
<p>Cumulative GPA: 3.83
last semester
Calc I A
Psychology A
English Writing A
Physics (mechanics) B+</p>
<p>This semester looks optimistic too.
Calc II ... better be an A
English and neuroscience/psych sophomore class... As
Physics A/A-/B+</p>
<p>I currently volunteer part time at Boston Medical Center in pediatrics.</p>
<p>High school:
class Rank 20/754 if memory serves right
SAT
Math: 700
CR: 720
Writing: 640
SAT II
US History: 770
Math I: 720</p>
<p>AP
English Lit 4
US History 5
European history 5
Psychology 5</p>
<p>I don't know why you'd worry about grade deflation. Your grades are stupendous.</p>
<p>Don't know how to suggest schools as you haven't given us much to go on. Also not sure why it would take an additional year if you change your major at BU, but not if you transfer.</p>
<p>1.)you don't necessarily have to stay an extra year. if your behind slightly in your courses, there is always summer sessions available at community colleges, as well as selective private uni's. however, you do have to fulfill a certain number of credits at your current college, whether that be BU or wherever. plus, many scholarships will be available come senior year if you keep up that GPA albeit you may have to write an essay, etc.
2.) if you want to transfer up, which seems to be the case, I believe its too late for fall 08 admission, at least at most of the selective colleges above BU. teacher recs, counselors, transcript requests, etc. take a while.
3.) boston u is fairly large, perhaps you need a more intimate small setting college, or perhaps you fit in well in the anonymity of a large school setting(as demonstrated by your GPA). the first is probably the case, but that is ultimately up to you to decide.
4.)if you really want to be sure you fit in, look for schools that specifically have transfer student orientations(i.e. "transfer friendly")</p>
<p>I don't think it's too late for a lot of programs. Many are March deadlines, though, so you would need to ask for recs soon and start your essays. It's not going to be a problem if transcripts arrive a bit past the deadline.</p>
<p>I meant, would their reputation for grade deflation make my application look even stronger? </p>
<p>And as for specific schools... what are realistic transfers that have really good science programs? I once thought of applying to the University of Chicago, but never got around to doing it. Would that be a possible transfer, or...?</p>
<p>I think they are realistic, but there are no safeties there. Are you content to have BU be your safety?</p>
<p>If not, you need some safer schools.</p>
<p>Looking at your list, I'd say give UChicago a try. Other ideas for you to look into: Northwestern, Lehigh, Tulane, Vanderbilt, UMichigan. I'm sure there are many others, I'm just not so familiar with them.</p>
<p>I don't know how any of these will be with financial aid; you'll have to check that out before replying.</p>
<p>I'm content with BU being my safety, ultimately. I'm not 100% hell bent on leaving, but there aren't too many matches around here... either lots of safeties or reaches. I've also thought of the schools you've mentioned. In state for me would either University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State College, or Keene, the latter two which I've heard horrible things about. New Hampshire is a cheap state, sadly. It's less expensive to go to Berkeley being a California resident than to go to UNH as New Hampshire resident... go figure. I don't know much about UNH aside from the fact half of my high school is there, and it's in the top ten for drinking schools :-.</p>
<p>UNH has a good reputation regionally in several fields. I don't happen to know about science. It might be worth your looking into how their pre-med students fare.</p>