<p>I’m planning on applying to Brown as a transfer applicant. After a very lackluster high school career, I attend a mediocre public university (avg incoming ACT: 25) and have had great success. I am about to begin my second semester of my sophomore year, GPA 4.0, a bunch of research and extra-curricular experience (my EC experience is very strong, take my word for it), glowing letters of rec, challenging schedule. </p>
<p>I come here to ask you, enlightened Brunos, does HS matter for a incoming junior transfer applicant?</p>
<p>They would much more if you were a freshman applying for transfer. Since you’ve got a year and a half under your belt, they’ll take those grades and experiences much more under consideration than the ones from high school. Congratulations on doing well where you are, and good luck on your transfer apps.</p>
<p>Your college transcript is going to be the core of your application. A strong high school transcript can bolster a strong/satisfactory college GPA, but likewise, an extremely strong college GPA can show considerable growth and accomplishment from sub par high school work. Also, remember that saying, about not worrying about things you can’t change? Yeah. </p>
<p>If HS was bad, you’re going to have to have an even stronger college transcript, and yes, it can make up for a lousy HS transcript. But the bottom line is that you want the best possible college transcript to maximize your chances regardless of how well you did in high school. So go study!!</p>
<p>And Bruno is correct – if HS is abysmal, try two years of college before transferring. But a lot of that depends on your reason and need for transferring (i.e. do you need out of your current school right now?)</p>