IVY league transfer chances with poor high school grades but good community college grades?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I do not wish to convey a ‘pipe dream’ Esque feeling within my post, nor do I have any sort of unrealistic false hope regarding being accepted by an ivy league institution. I know IVY league schools are near impossible to be admitted into, however, that is not enough to deter me from trying. I graduated from high school in Texas with a 3.2 GPA unweighted (not stellar…I know). However I do have personal reasons for my grades: the sudden death of a sister, undiagnosed ADD, was sexually assaulted as a freshman by a male junior (causing me to fail a class that semester) and had an excessive competitive dance schedule that required me to attend dance classes 22.5 hours every week. Graduated with class 2016.

I planned on attending University of Arkansas this year, but on a family trip to Mexico in June, I severely broke my left leg completely in half requiring a care flight home followed by immediate surgery. I decided to forfeit my plans of attending the University of Arkansas and attend community college for the year in order to promote healing.

I am a current first-year freshman at a community college in Texas near my home, and although grades are not finalized for my first semester, I am expecting a 3.8 minimum GPA, if not a 3.9 or 4.0. I am involved in hospice volunteer care for the elderly, I have played the violin for 9 years and qualified for Texas State Competition with my solo last year, and am involved with a health club at my community college. I also plan to shadow doctors and clinics next semester, and the career I am striving towards is a PA (physician’s assistant).

I do not pretend to think that my chances of being admitted into a university such as Duke are of reach, but I am seeking alternative opinions about my circumstances, tips, and even words of encouragement. Thank you

2

^ Did that username really make it past the screeners? LOL.

On a more serious note, Ivies are a crapshoot for everybody - especially for transfer, because they have high retention rates. In addition, Princeton does not even accept transfers yet.

However,
You could get lucky and get in. It’s not impossible. I think you have a lot of serious/relevant material for your essays.

3

I work at a community college and we have students transfer to Ivies more than what some naysayers might think. But, and this is a big but, you need to stay at your community college and shine as a student leader. We have had several Jack Kent Cooke scholars and they typically go on to the Ivy League. Become a student senator, run for student trustee (if your school has one), and become a name in your transfer office. This will greatly increase your chances.

4

@maandme What Ivies? Cornell? HYP admit very few transfers from anywhere let alone a community college.

5

What were your test scores? Most, if not all, top tier schools will require your high school transcript and test scores. If your scores aren’t there, It would seem frivolous to waste time applying and to pay the fee.

6

Mainly Brown and they have a specific program called Resumed Undergraduate Education for students who did not directly go to college. Many community colleges fit this category as the average age is about 26-26.