High School Record As A Junior Transfer

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey all, I'm in a bit of a different boat than most.</p>

<p>I'm considering transfer in Fall 09 to several schools as a junior. I will be a sophomore at USC, I currently have a 3.7 in Marshall and aim (though no guarantee, obviously) to have closer to a 3.8 by the time I transfer. I have good EC involvement; I have some really awesome experience with a service-oriented job (with some good leadership), involvement in the arts, etc. but I just feel mediocre compared to high school.</p>

<p>In high school, my resume was extremely strong and I just feel a little depressed that it will never be that strong again. I graduated saludatorian, 4.0, SB President, great SAT/AP etc.</p>

<p>I guess it's a classic case of big fish in a small pond all of a sudden becoming the little fish, but here's my question: I know that as a junior applicant my high school record counts for less. Unlike most other transfer, who were mediocre in high school but do fantastic in college, however, I am somewhat the other way around (though I guess I am doing better than mediocre at a challenging school with a rigorous course load, my reusme just doesn't feel as strong). I will be applying to several top schools and a couple of safety schools, will my HS record count for anything significant, or am I going to be judged almost entirely on college?</p>

<p>It just doesn't seem like I've had enough time to build myself up in college yet, though I guess I do have almost a full year before any of the applications are due. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>It's hard to tell what exactly the admissions offices use to evaluate transfer cases, but we can guess based on past success. I'd say, while yes, it's true that your high school record is going to be looked at less than if you were a sophomore transfer, it'll still be taken into consideration. Your situation is a pretty typical one: top of the class in high school, performs well, but not quite as well as s/he's used to, in college. A 3.7 GPA is still a good GPA, especially at a school like USC. </p>

<p>Also: things tend to build up rather quickly at the start of your sophomore year. I had a decent resume at the end of my freshman year, but nothing really too impressive. By the time I had applied to transfer in February my resume was quite impressive (I think, at least :P). Don't worry, you have plenty of time. When you return to school find ways to get more involved in activities you love. Maybe find some research to do for a professor.</p>