looking for some guidance!

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey everyone- thanks for giving this thread a look! I'd really appreciate any advice or luck anyone can give me!</p>

<p>READER'S DIGEST VERSION--
I left my four year university during the winter break of my Sophomore year (Dec. 2011) to avoid academic probation and also because I couldn't handle the environment at my school. During my time off I sought out psychiatric help and treatment for ADD (had been previously diagnosed, parents chose not to put me on medication) and Bipolar II Disorder (had been previously diagnosed with depression & improperly medicated). I began going to therapy regularly, and enrolled in local classes. My life has improved dramatically, and so has my GPA. I was interested in returning to my original school, as all my friends are still there, but my academic advisor there brought up the idea of transferring schools. While my credits during my time off would transfer, my GPA would not- still leaving me with a good hole to dig myself out of. </p>

<p>I'm fairly confident that my best bet, unfortunately, is to transfer. While I have spent all this time with the ultimate goal of returning to my school in a much better state and being reunited with my friends, I can't really argue that a clean slate is what I need. </p>

<hr>

<p>My questions are mostly based on opinion, as I think I'm looking more for advice (and maybe reassurance) more so than facts & figures.</p>

<ol>
<li>If a GPA is is on the low-end of the average range for a school I hope to transfer to but transcripts show dramatic and continuing improvement, will those trends be taken into account?</li>
</ol>

<p>1.5 --- Some schools require an official college report, and my advisor had said that mine might state that I was on academic probation. If I was in good standing besides grades (no disciplinary action etc.) and have shown dramatic improvement, will this report ruin my chances of transferring? </p>

<ol>
<li><p>Is there any merit (brownie points to be gained) from getting in contact with the transfer admissions staff before you apply? If it's a school I've previously applied to (c. 2009), will they still have my records?</p></li>
<li><p>I believe that my situation is one that really can't be conveyed through the basic CommonApp- if I include a letter to the admissions staff addressing their (anticipated) concerns, will it be considered? If I cite diagnoses and therapies, should proof (doctor's notes, I guess) be sent in?</p></li>
</ol>

2

<p>can i bump this?</p>

3

<ol>
<li>Yes, colleges like to see upward trends. Whether this will be enough to get you admitted to any particular school is impossible to say. Thus the need for a realistic list of safety/match/reach schools.</li>
</ol>

<p>1.5 My guess is no if you have a much improved academic record since that time. </p>

<ol>
<li><p>No, admissions staff are very busy, now with fr admissions and then in April with transfers. I don’t think any school will keep your records that long.</p></li>
<li><p>Use the Additional Information section for discussing your medical conditions. Yes, use second parties like a doctor when possible to support your improvement. IMO, your point here is not to give excuses for your past performance, but rather to assure colleges that you are currently in good shape and ready to continue your academic progress.</p></li>
</ol>

<p>Best of luck!</p>