I’m a student at an ivy league school taking 4 classes, including the hardest physics and math classes that I am allowed to take. What GPA should I be shooting for if I am a lateral sophomore transfer, meaning I’m applying to mostly ivy caliber schools? I’m kind of worried because the aforementioned math and physics classes are difficult and I might get an A- in one of them. Projected GPA can range between 3.8 and 4.0
Major: Math/Physics
ACT: 36
SAT Subject Tests: 800 M2/760 Ch/770 Ph
Why do you want to transfer, what school are you at now, and what school are you trying to transfer to?
The different super selective schools may differ from each other more in transfer admissions than they do in frosh admissions, both in numbers and in type (e.g. some may emphasize non-traditional students more than others).
I want to transfer because I’m not in a degree seeking program. I graduated high school this past June. I’m in a gap year because I couldn’t go away to college this year for personal reasons (not financial). These personal reasons are also limiting my extracurricular involvement. I guess that makes me somewhat non-traditional. I do not want to say the school I attend (for anonymity), but it’s a “middle” ivy. I hope to transfer into an undergraduate program with similarly strong math/physics department.
“I’m not in a degree seeking program.” What do you mean by that? Are you officially a freshman student, or are you taking all of your classes in non-degree/visiting student status? That might change the category of applicant you end up being.
If your application is rejected it won’t be solely for getting a 3.8 instead of a 4.0 in the coursework you are currently taking. Don’t worry about that.
If you are merely taking courses in a program like Harvard Extension School, that does not count as being a student at an Ivy League school. Such programs are open to all and would not constitute a lateral transfer.
@TomSrOfBoston It isn’t anything like that. I had to apply in order to get in and the other students that got in are pretty intense. This is also a very small program (less than 10 students).
@happymomof1 I’m a non-degree student taking all of my classes for credit alongside actual undergrads. The courses I’m taking aren’t different from the classes regular students take. The math and physics classes I’m taking are the hardest classes offered to freshman in those subjects. I called all of the schools I’m interested in and only four of them said that I have to apply as a freshman. The rest said I have to apply as a transfer student. I didn’t apply anywhere early.
What do the advisors/coordinators of your program recommend? They would be the ones to go to first for guidance, as they surely know where previos students from that program have ended up.
Wherever benefit the endorsement from your current program is worth, it will be counterbalanced by the fact that the most elite schools tend to have a tiny number of spots for transfers.
The answer to your question is just to get the best GPA you can, but realize there are no guarantees. Build a list with match and safety schools, too.