<p>So from what I've heard, if someone has a low SAT score (let's say 1950) and is applying to Ivy Leagues like Columbia, UPenn, and Dartmouth on both freshmen and transfer level. It is truly to say that one would need spectacular ECs and essays as a NON-URM to make up for the SAT score. I was wondering if anybody here can list an example of a list of highly competitive ECs and Essay that would be able to make it up?</p>
<p>Bump…</p>
<p>Well if youre applying to transfer into your junior year they matter little if any at all. While I didnt transfer into an Ivy, I will be attending Vandy in the fall. My SAT was an 1800.
My essays were great and had lots of great ec’s and recs, don’t forget about the recs. I did research, worked on a governor’s campaign, coached elementary soccer and had 2 amazing internships; all at a tier 4 state school.
Some may tell you to retake your SAT but I think you should focus on your college gpa, ec’s and recs. And just have a really good reason as to why you want to transfer to your school/ how you will benefit them.</p>
<p>So are you saying that 4 qualified ECs that make you stand out is good enough to compensate for a low SAT score for a Non-URM? </p>
<p>Isn’t the term “spectacular ECs” suppose to be considered as someone who’s non-urm and want to make up low SAT score with let’s say 8 qualified ECs to make himself stand out?</p>
<p>I don’t think theres a formula set in stone where 4 EC make up for a bad SAT and 8 for a low GPA, rather participate in EC’s that you enjoy and are genuinely interested in. Colleges look down on a laundry list of EC’s and would much rather you have a significant role in the ones you are involved in.
Are you planning on transferring in as a soph or jr?</p>
<p>Junior, but I’m a non-URM. Not saying that I’ll have a bad SAT score, but then there are some certain extents that a non-URM can do to make up a bad SAT score when applying to Ivy Leagues and I don’t know how to speculate out that kind of profile (besides the essay).</p>
<p>I think youre blowing the who “non-URM” thing out of proportion. I’m not a URM either.
Since youre applying as a junior, your hs stats matter very little. Your GPA alone can compensate for that. Colleges place little weight on those, especially for jr transfer.</p>
<p>^ Hahahaha is right. Test scores do not matter much once you apply as a junior transfer. I don’t believe that the status of URM (especially during the transfer process) is “really” considered either. Case: My friend was just recently admitted to Columbia College as a junior transfer despite having an SAT score of 1830 (he had taken it in high school); however, his GPA, essays, and EC’s were all stellar.</p>
<p>Essays and EC’s should be spectacular, regardless (since they are the most qualitative parts of the transfer application). GPA (which is also very important) and test scores are measurable, but essays and EC’s are more nebulous.</p>
<p>My point? As a transfer applicant, focus more on your grades and leadership roles in EC’s AS WELL AS letters of recommendations, as Hahahaha noted.</p>
<p>Best of luck on your college apps, Seachai! Feel free to PM me if you’d like any suggestions or have any questions.</p>
<p>Thanks. There are some things that I would like to share personally, which I don’t have the comfort for revealing in public.</p>
<p>Vandy is far from an ivy. With the incredibly low transfer rates, without something truly exceptional you just plain need the stats.</p>