Looking to transfer to American, BU, etc.

Transfer Students
1

<p>Obviously, no one is going to be able to give me any absolutes, but I was wondering whether or not I had a reasonable chance of applying to these institutions (I intend to transfer for Fall '06), or was just wasting my time. </p>

<p>I started college a few days ago, so I know this isn't a totally acurate representation either, but I'm attending Florida Atlantic University (things I can tell you about college - I've been accepted into their honors program (36 students per year), awarded presidential scholarship, currently a member of SGA and I intend to join some other things once school starts.) Because I'm a commuter student, it's difficult for me to be involved with things on campus (I live an hour away, and I'm only at school three days a week). I thought joining some outside organizations might strangthen my application, so I'm currently awaiting an interview for a BBBS mentoring program. Any tips on looking more "involved" though?</p>

<p>Schools I'm looking at:
Boston University
American University
George Washington University (I'm aware that this is a reach, at best)
Northeastern University
Catholic University of America
University of Richmond (Same as GW)
Wellesly (I think I'm really just applying with a sort of "might as well while I'm at it" mentality)</p>

<p>High School Stats:
Jupiter High School, Jupiter, Florida
Non-weighted GPA: 3.4
Weighted GPA: 3.8
SAT: 1270 (730 v/ 540 m - plans to retake)
ACT: ---
AP Exams: English Lit - 4; English Comp - 4</p>

<p>Extracurricular Acitivites:
JHS Speech and Debate Team (9, 10, 11, 12) - This is by far my "stand out" EC; Points Chairman (11), President (12), Member of the National Forensic League (Degree of Superior Distinction - 810 pts.), Varsity Letter awarded (12, 11, 10), Ranked 1st all-time point earner for JHS, Debater of the Year, Ranked 1st Overall (10, 11, 12), Qualified for and broke at numerous national tournaments (including states & catnats), etc. Founded the "Summer Classics Series" (debate camp for middle schoolers) and coached a middle school debate team (10, 11, 12), currently a "volunteer coach" for two high school debate teams.</p>

<p>JHS Mock Trial Team (11, 12) - President (12)</p>

<p>JHS Law Club (11, 12 ) - President (12)</p>

<p>Social Studies National Honor Society (11, 12)</p>

<p>If anyone could give me any advice on what I should do this year to help my chances, or give me a perspective on what I need to do to make me a more competative candidate, it would be much appreciated. Also, do I need to be looking at oher safeties, or am I reasonably well off with the schools I have selected thus far? Are there other schools in general I should consider?</p>

2

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I think you'll get into at least a couple of those schools as long as your grades are good, even if you apply after only one year of college. I applied to American, as a backup (though it is a good school and has a lot to offer), after one year of college and got in fine. I had like a 3.5 when I applied and if I remember right their benchmark is 2.5 for applying. Also, if you have more than 24 (or so) credits you don't even have to submit your SAT scores. So, I think you'll be ok without adding any more safety schools to your list.</p>

<p>If there is one school that is by far your favorite and would do anything to get into, you could always see if they have articulation agreement with other colleges (usually community colleges). It's surprising how many CCs have them with really great schools.</p>

<p>I didn't apply to any of the other colleges so I can't really say for them. You seem to be doing all the right things though as far as getting involved in community activities. Big Brothers Big Sisters is so great:) I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with that. Just get perfect or close to perfect grades and get to know some of your professors so you can get good recommendations.</p>

<p>If you know what you want your major to be, you could try getting an internship in that field too.</p>

3

<p>Thanks :)</p>

<p>I'm hoping that because I'm in such a small program, I'll be able to get to know at least three of my professors fairly well (I only have 4 students, myself included, in my math class for example)</p>

<p>Also, I'm a Social Sciences Secondary Education major. I know that my actual major will change once I transfer schools, simply because different schools and states have different policies for education majors (my major will probably change to social science or history with a minor in education, according to most of the schools I've looked at) but the idea and the field is the same. That's why I hoped volunteering to help coach a high school debate team and bbbs would help. I've also had 4 experiences as a T.A. in high school, and I interned my senior year at an elementary school.</p>

<p>Also, I'm really glad to hear that about American, it's one of the schools I've been the most drawn to, simply because it's a bit smaller, and has gaurunteed undergrad housing.</p>

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<p>Anyone else? Perhaps if you could indicate which ones I'll be most likely accepted/rejected from?</p>

5

<p>Sorry to bump my thread, but I was wondering if anyone else had some constructive input? Thanks ahead of time!</p>

6

<p>I'm looking into basically the same schools you're looking into.... =) with the addition of Pace, Eugene Lang, and Fordham. But here is my input...</p>

<p>Boston University - Slight Reach (but still in sight)
American University - Match (accepted... possibly scholarships)
George Washington University - Reach
Northeastern University - Match </p>

<p>** the others I have no idea on....</p>

<p>GOOD LUCK!!</p>

7

<p>Thanks so much for responding! I was thinking that's about where I was at also, and that's always good to hear (as opposed to "Umm, how about trying CC for a while, and then applying to an instate?") So many people have amazing stats on this board, it's a bit intimidating.</p>

<p>Good luck to you also!</p>

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<p>Does anyone else have anything to add? Especially if you disagree with what's already been said regarding chances, or know more about my chances at the schools people were less familiar with? (Northeastern University, Catholic University of America, University of Richmond).</p>

<p>I also recently stumbled across Stonehill, so that's something else I'm considering :)</p>

9

<p>"I'm looking into basically the same schools you're looking into.... =) with the addition of Pace, Eugene Lang, and Fordham. But here is my input..."</p>

<p>I'm looking into Fordham too. :-)</p>

<p>Other schools:</p>

<p>Spelman (match although some might say it's safety for me)
Bryn Mawr (match)
Barnard (reach)
Rutgers (New Brunswick Campus) (safety)</p>

10

<p>This is probably common sense, but you really should check with each school about what their minimum course requirements are for transferring. I had this problem with uva cause I assumed (at first) that since they accepted a 4 for the AP Eng Lit exam for first-years that they would for transfers, but they don't... So I had to take the class (AGAIN) before they would consider me. </p>

<p>I think you'll most likely get into Catholic University too.</p>

<p>Wellseley you'll have to take SAT IIs.</p>

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<p>I will have completed (or be in the process of completing, which according to their websites, is fine) 26 credits by the end of this year, and all of the universities I'm applying to only require 24. It doesn't give me much extra to work with (unless they want to accept my AP credit, I got a 4 on both english exams, so hopefully they'll take one), but I hope it doesn't hurt me either.</p>

<p>Thanks for bringing that up though Patriotsgirl, I probably ought to check again before I apply and just wind up wasting money.</p>

<p>I also hoped that with Catholic, because I'm in the honors program, it would boost my chances of getting in (they allow transfer students from honors programs to be automatically placed in their honors program). I'm also Catholic, which I suppose is a good thing :)</p>

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<p>Yeah I was sure that you already knew that, but just wanted to make sure:) Since it's really frustrating when the place you transfer to converts half of the credits already taken to electives instead of taking them as the actual class they are, because they don't offer the exact same one.</p>

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<p>I do have a question about that though - if they convert them to electives, does it effect my ebility to be admitted? Like, will I still meet the required number of courses for transfer?</p>

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<p>It would only effect your eligibility if you don't have (or they turn into electives) the core requirements for where you're trying to transfer. Try looking online for what classes are recommended for your year in school and take similar ones. Most colleges will have a list of classes that transfers have to fulfill on their websites too. Though the best thing to do is email or call the transfer dean about which classes need to be taken for admission, since they will be the ones making the final decision.</p>

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<p>What about instances where the classes are different? And if the requirements clash with my honors program (I'm taking honors forums to substitute for me freshmen core at my current university), should I get out of the program and opt to take the classes they reccomend, or is being in an honors program beneficial to my transfer status?</p>

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<p>Does anyone else have any input regarding my chances of getting into these schools?</p>

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<p>I think being in the honors program would help you, so you should probably fill those cores and then pick electives that you know will transfer. Email the transfer deans at the schools though, cause they will be able to give you the best answer.</p>

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<p>Makes sense, thanks for all of your help, I really appreciate it :)</p>