It's Time for a Reality Check - Transfer Chances

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am applying to transfer to Stanford, and only to Stanford, for the Fall 2008 quarter. Yes, I realize Stanford only admitted 23 transfers (20 matriculated) last year. Yes, I realize my chances are dependent on whether Stanford over admits once again. And Yes, I realize applying to only one school is a ‘Hail Marry’ play that will most likely result in a complete face plant. But still, I invite you whack at my resume like its a piñata and offer your two cents…</p>

<p>I was denied last year when I applied as a senior. I can only speculate why (my essays were rather weak), but is this significant?</p>

<p>College:
GPA: 3.93
Major: Biophysics
College: Columbia College, Columbia</p>

<p>Courses:
Fall 2007
Accelerated Physics
Literature Humanities
University Writing
Calculus - Multivariable Integration (completes the Calc series)
General Chemistry</p>

<p>Spring
Accelerated Physics
Literature Humanities
Economics
ODE
General Chemistry
A Better Planet By Design (not the B.S. class it sounds like)</p>

<p>EC: Lt Weight Crew, Undergraduate Resident in Biophysics lab, Spectator Online Deputy, Free Culture Freshman Rep/Web Master, Worked for the Long Term Ecology Research study, California Current Ecosystem, Collaborated with grad students at Scripps Institute of Oceanography on research</p>

<p>High School:
ACT: 35
SAT Reasoning: 2290* ACT is higher
SAT Subjects: U.S. History: 790, Biology(m): 770
GPA: 4.0 uw, 4.65 weighted
Rank: 1/660
AP: Took 11, (10) 5’s and (1) 4
EC: Yearbook (3 years, book won Gold at Columbia Scholastic Press Association the year I was Editor-In-Chief, 1st time in publication’s history), Water Polo/Swim (4 years), National Ocean Science Bowl/Quiz Bowl (1 year), Web Master (1 year), National Honor Society (Vice President, led the club in the construction of an outdoor amphitheatre, financed by Disney grants I successfully secured), CSF and tons of other meaningless clubs
Awards: National Merit Finalist, Bank of America Student Leader, Columbia Deans List, other achievement awards, “Student of the Year” (given to the “top” graduating senior, GPA independent)</p>

<p>Familial ties: None (major disadvantage)
Ethnicity: White as snow, thanks to the lack of sun in NY</p>

<p>Hook: I am an active entrepreneur, self-motivated to tackle the present and future challenges facing humanity <em>I have concrete EC’s to back this up, but why bore you with my complete resume?</em></p>

<p>Why put myself through the hell that is the transfer process?
I am applying to Stanford because Columbia offers a Biophysics major, but no Biophysics courses. I am seeking a college with an interdisciplinary academic environment with cross-department collaboration that places a strong emphasis on fostering and applying entrepreneurship in a practical application. This college is Stanford, and most certainly not Columbia.</p>

2

<p>Your reasons are great and your stats are more impressive still. Make sure you get strong recommendations and articulate yourself well in your essays. I don't fancy myself an admissions oracle, but I'd say your chances are as good as they can possibly be.</p>

3

<p>I'd say you have as good a chance as anyone. As you indicated, it really may even depend on how many students Stanford plans to accept this year.</p>

4

<p>The kicker is I'll still most likely get the shaft. Are there any successful Stanford transfers prowling these boards who are willing to give their input? Don't know why they would be, but it's worth a shot.</p>

5

<p>I don't know. you have a really excellent reason for transferring. I think if you clearly show your reasons for transferring, I think you're golden. You're obviously smart, I mean you got into Columbia. I mean I know you don't want to be overconfident, but you have good reason is all I'm saying.</p>

6

<p>Have you visited? I went and didn't like it. I'm applying anyway.</p>