How Critical are HS Grades?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm a freshman currently at an average SUNY school, nothing special. However, I am looking at a few schools to transfer to for Fall 2013 with Wisconsin-Madison being my main goal. Right now as a communication major I have around a 3.7 but I can bump it up to a 3.8 by increasing my B+ in one of my classes to an A. </p>

<p>However, as for my HS GPA/grades lets just say that I have a reason for being at a local SUNY school right now.. I passed all of my core classes needed in the NYS school system, but my grades were lackluster to say the least. I am curious as to how important HS grades really are for freshman looking to transfer for their sophomore year.. From some I have heard that low HS grades can actually benefit you if you're doing well in college. But I have also heard that they are extremely important and can get me denied as well.. I'm assuming this will just make my essay all the more essential to be written well?</p>

<p>Any help would be appreciated, personal experiences?</p>

2

<p>It depends on the school, but most have this general outline: the more college credits you have under your belt, the less emphasis (if any) they place on high school grades.</p>

<p>Since you’re a freshman, unfortunately transferring for your sophomore year with only a semester’s worth of credits completed means they will place high emphasis on your high school grades. You likely won’t get in if you couldn’t have gotten in during high school. BUT that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! Just keep in mind, you’d have much better chances transferring there for your junior year.</p>