Looking to transfer to Stanford from a Community College

Transfer Students
1

<p>Seems I posted this in the wrong forum, so I copy pasted it here at the transfer forum...</p>

<p>I am CC student really looking at Stanford to complete my BS in Math. The problem with me is that I am bit of a late bloomer and only really started thinking about college last year, so I am behind in a lot of things. My high school GPA is only 3.7 and I was home schooled. However, since then I have grown TREMENDOUSLY and I am very focused and determined about my dream, which is becoming a physicist. I am not sure what subfield, although I am seriously thinking about astrophysics, sub-atomic physics, theoretical physics, particle physics, or quantum physics. First, though, I want to get my BS in Math from a top-tier school, and consequently earn a Master's and then Ph.D in Physics. </p>

<p>I am currently a 4.0 at the Community College which I am in, and I intend to keep it that way, and I won't settle for anything less than that. I am also in a rigorous honors society with transfer agreements to the UC's and CSU's, including UCLA. I am also a member of a statewide Community College honors society. I am not sure how participating in those programs will benefit me in applying to Stanford, however. </p>

<p>What I was really wanting to know is how can I increase my chances of getting in to Stanford? This is a goal I am really in burning passion mode to achieve, I would love to study there. </p>

<p>I am really new to the game, and I never had the advantage of a guidance counselor or peers enlightening me on colleges, so I am pretty much coming out of a cave into a super speed highway.</p>

<p>I also know about Stanford's tendency to select students with equal achievements on the academic AND social aspect of things. But my other big problem is that I have a severe anxiety disorder associated with social activities. Would this present a significant obstacle in my getting in because I may lack extracurriculars such as leadership activities, for instance? If so, what can I do to make up for that gap and gain competitive edge?</p>

<p>PLEASE guide me on this, I would really appreciate your help. All your help or experience from fellow Stanford transfers/transfer hopefuls will really really be appreciated. </p>

<p>Thank you so much!</p>

2

<p>Its definitely possible. I know of a gentleman who was a flunkie in high school, did well in CC, then transfered to and graduated with a 4.0 from Stanford. Keep your grades up and good luck!</p>

3

<p>I briefly researched Stanford as a transfer option, and honestly, go for it, but they take like four students a year. You will basically have to be a superstar. I don’t think an anxiety disorder would necessarily hinder you, though-- especially if you could write a kickass essay about it. Could you get into some community service, perhaps?</p>

4

<p>Apply but don’t be discouraged if you don’t get in. I’m sure you’d have a good chance with UCB, UCLA, and USC, especially considering that some of them have transfer agreement. You’re in a very good position.</p>

5

<p>Standford takes about 20 transfer students per year, roughly half from CCC. If you like 1.5% transfer rate odds, go ahead and spend the $100 on the transfer app. But a better strategy is to look long and hard at all the other great colleges that you can apply to and have a decent shot of getting into.</p>

<p>Also, you need to know that the types of ECs (extra curriculars) that end up getting a student into Stanford are not something that a student picks up a half year to a year before applying. The hooks are things like (real examples here!) having completed a 4 year stint in the Marines, being a male cheerleader from the Philippines, having constructed a magnificent wooden harp out of wood by hand, being an accomplished DJ with a #2 hip-hop record hit, and so forth. What these examples have in common is that these are people who are doing ECs that are part of their life’s passion or mission… not an EC picked up to fill some notion of being a well-rounded or perhaps even a stand-out college student.</p>

<p>By all means, apply to Stanford. You may end up be one of the 20 “rare birds” that are selected by the ad com committee. Just keep the stats in mind: 1.5% transfer rate. But with your 4.0, there are many amazing colleges that would take you in an instant, so be sure to apply to other places as well.</p>