International Transfer Problem

<p>I really hope someone can offer me advice.</p>

<p>I have been to college twice (I'm in Ireland, by the way). The first time I dropped out after a year (I also failed one subject which is deemed as a failed year) so I can't transfer my credits.</p>

<p>I moved to a new school to do a diploma in something completely different, loved it and did really well. However, the course was less than 9 months long as it was a private, accelerated course (it's the equivalent of an AA).</p>

<p>That was 2 years ago & the first school was 4 years ago. I have applied to 3 of the 7 Sisters. I informed all three before I applied about my previous college experience. All three told me to apply as no credits could be transferred as I never spent more than 2 years in school. I applied as a first year and then Smith got back to me, asking me to re-apply as a transfer immediately.</p>

<p>I really want to go there so I contacted my first college to get recommendations. I had already forwarded transcripts/recommendations from my second school (as well as my high school) so the only thing I needed to send was a transcript & recommendation from college 1. No problem, right? Wrong.</p>

<p>I just got my 'recommendation' back from my first school. It's unsigned (but has the college stamp) and, no lie, is 23 words long; stating that I was in their school from 2004-2005. I'm horrified. I contacted the 3 lecturers I got on well with and I knew they wouldn't remember me (it was nursing school) as 100s of kids pass through that course each year. I was given the opportunity to repeat the exam I failed years ago, but turned it down as I would have had to remain in the course for another year before I could have repeated. Plus, I didn't want to be a nurse anymore. Other than that, I was a great student. I rarely got anything less than a B and my course work had fine reviews. </p>

<p>I know I have to tell the transfer lady at Smith, who has been so kind and patient with me, about this. I work full time but put lots of effort into my applications. Should I send a copy of some of my nursing essays with the professors comments included? I am going to have to do an interview aswell as I am so embarrassed as to what people might think of this recommendation.</p>

<p>Or should I just pull my application and start applying to safeties? </p>

<p>TIA</p>

<p>I think, Smith sees an applicant more than just their stats, esp if you're working full time or already having a family & kids to take care of, etc, etc. I'm not a transfer guru, but I think you should tell them (in essays, interview, or anyway you can) what you've done in your nursing school. Just tell them your story and hope they'll understand. Don't pull your application, but just for safeties, you can also apply to another college. I'm also trying to transfer to Smith, and I hope we can meet next fall!</p>