<p>I reiterate: No one is saying that it’s all about anything. That’s the whole point.</p>
<p>I have been reading this conversation thread and it’s amazing to see so many passionate people on the CC forum! I, as a student (not a mother or some other guardian obsessively pushing my child into going to an elite institution), thank you all for giving me insight into the transfer process.</p>
<p>Currently, I go to a university that, well, is considered a great university, but I attended it not knowing that the major which I wished to pursue, was not as strong or well taught in the school as I had hoped. My university is considered one of the top 40 universities in the US world & news report so I know that it is somewhat academically competitive. Unfortunately, everything, from the career fair to the courses to the advertisements that this school offers is all centered around engineering. I, as a business major, am very disheartened by that. </p>
<p>Furthermore, I am “one of those” students. In my high school, I have had difficulty getting good grades (as my high school is, surprisingly, much more difficult than the university I am currently attending). Regardless, I have showed an upward trend and continued to take rigorous courses (3.0 from soph to junior year and 3.5 senior year with six APs senior year) despite the fact that my overall GPA (unweighted) was a 3.3. </p>
<p>To sum up this extremely long post (I apologize) I guess I just wanted a clearer picture on exactly how much my HS GPA is taken into consideration in terms of the admissions process? Though my college GPA is a 4.0, I am looking to be a sophomore transfer (I am currently a freshman) and I am worried that my high school GPA is so horrible that it will “overshadow” my 4.0 this semester. I do, as many others on this forum, which to apply to the most competitive universities in the nation, including the ivy league universities, not for their prestige, but for their amazing academic opportunities and how I fell in love with one of them when I went visit.</p>
<p>What do you all think? Would it be more beneficial if I was considered a junior year transfer instead? Would I still stand a chance due to my HS GPA? Any advice for any other prospective transfer students like myself?</p>
<p>@dotori: Wow, it’s funny to see this resurrected. Your high school GPA will be weighted relatively heavily, as despite your 4.0, it’s only one semester of grades - schools need more to go on than that, which is why your performance in high school will be scrutinized. </p>
<p>I’m usually an advocate of applying as a junior: (1) Your decision to leave will be much more informed, as you will have had an entire other year to consider your current school; (2) you will have the benefit of networking with other students and profs/TAs who will be writing your recommendations; (3) in your case, another year of great college grades would greatly mitigate your high school transcript.</p>
<p>It’s a tough choice, and ultimately you have to decide if you can deal with another year or if you truly have to leave now. It’s great that you have an upward trend in high school, but a 3.3 will likely hurt you at top schools.</p>