<p>After getting a 1.5 gpa (after 3 semesters) in engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, I realized that engineering wasn't for me.</p>
<p>As a non-degree student I have been taking 4 upper-level liberal arts classes at a local university and expect to recieve around a 3.7 for this semester.</p>
<p>Assuming I get two semesters of 3.7-ish grades in the subject that I wish to major (sociology or economics), and then transferring, would the adcoms see that my 1.5 in engineering wasn't representative of my abilities in the major in which my strengths are?</p>
<p>IE. my "cumulative" gpa of both schools combined would still be ridiculously low, but would my 2 semesters of 3.7 prove to adcoms that I will succeed in this new major? Obviously going from engineering to something like sociology is representative of entirely different type of courses. Also there's the very sharp upward grade trend.</p>
<p>Also, in case it matters:</p>
<p>My HS stats were:
GPA: 3.76
SAT: 1320/1600</p>
<p>I know I may be reaching too far, but the schools I am interested in are: Georgetown, Brandeis, BC, Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>What are my chances, and is there anything I can do to improve my odds, considering my situation is a bit tricky one?</p>
<p>I got a 1.2 for a semester and a 2.0 for another semester, but I didn't change my major . I spent 3 semesters to boost my grade up. Finally I managed to transfer. I think you'll be fine, cuz you are in different major. Just get all A's for your coursework and explain why did you get such a low grade.</p>
<p>Would it help if i retook the SAT and boosted that as well?</p>
<p>I know that it's now been almost 2 years that i've been out of HS, so my SAT and HS GPA won't be looked upon that much, but would improving my SAT atleast help a little bit?</p>
<p>Also: Assuming I have 3 years worth of college credits by the time I want to transfer, would I still be able to transfer as a junior?</p>
<p>It would help, but if you don't substantially raise your GPA, it won't matter at all. It'll just show that your kinda smart but very unmotivated and won't be successful in their/your college.</p>
<p>This thread is an example of how good SATs predict college performance. Lobing horse ***** and seeing where it lands is as accurate as that absurd test.</p>
<p>On a serious note: you should explain why you acheived such a low GPA and improve it.. All you can really do...</p>
<p>(withdrew, took a full courseload of economics/poli sci classes at another school as a non-degree student)</p>
<p>4th semester: 3.6
5th semester: 3.7</p>
<p>and i'm currently taking two summer classes and hopefully getting a 3.6-3.7ish on that.</p>
<p>Considering my good HS performance and my better recent performance, realistically what are my odds at some decent/good private schools?</p>
<p>If in my "explanation letter" i explain to the adcoms that engineering wasn't where my strength was and that I have found something i'm good at, would they put this into consideration and focus on my most recent performance?</p>
<p>They will, SuperZ, but that doesn't mean you have a <em>great</em> chance at the 4 schools you outline, because no one does based on the #s they accept for transfer. Still, I definitely think you should go for it.</p>
<p>However, you should also identify some schools with significantly higher transfer acceptance rates and apply to those also.</p>
<p>Re the SAT re-take: I think jacknjill has a good point, but I think you would be well-advised to make an appointment (phone appt. is fine) to talk with the head of Transfer Admissions at one or more of your target schools. Ask for frank advice on what you should do, how you should handle the problem you've outlined, and whether you should consider re-taking SATs. Many of the schools have very helpful transfer admissions personnel. </p>
<p>Many schools do not consider hs record or SATs once you are seeking Junior level status. You could always put the info in "other information" sections of the application. Again, ask the advice of the Transfer advisor at a couple of schools.</p>
<p>I completely agree with jmmom. The transfer admissions officers at the schools I applied to this year were GREAT. They are extremely helpful and most truly want to answer your questions. The admissions staff at the schools you're interested in would know the answers to your questions much more than us folks on the CC boards.</p>
<p>why did you get that low of a gpa? does SAT even matter anymove once you go to college? and i would just suggest that you get a 4.0 in transferable courses for your new major</p>