Need feedback. GPA concern

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi, I am currently a freshman at a small liberal arts college looking to transfer. I am looking to transfer to other liberal arts colleges that have a stronger department on the major I intend to pursue and one with a better social environment. </p>

<p>My concern is that my first semester grades have been less than stellar (I currently have a 3.1), and I would ideally like to apply to transfer for Fall 2011. My high school transcript is strong (3.9 uw with AP load) and my recommendations will be fine. I am retaking the SAT in January (right now I have a 2090) because I feel I have no choice with my current college GPA. As for extracurriculars, I have several leadership positions and am involved in other interactive organizations.</p>

<p>The schools that I am looking at are Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mt. Holyoke, Smith, Wellesley, Claremont Mckenna, Scripps, Kenyon, and Oberlin. I was waitlisted at Wellesley and Oberlin applying as a high school senior. I already had an interview with an alumni from Wellesley who was a transfer herself. Actually, I would ultimately like to make it to Wellesley. My question is: Would it be better if I applied to transfer as a second semester Sophomore? I am confident I will do better this semester, but even that wouldn't bring my GPA to a competitive level. The problem is Wellesley does not offer spring admission, and I really do not want to transfer as an incoming junior. I would like some input because my original plan was to transfer for fall admission and now I am at a loss.</p>

2

<p>I was in a similar situation. I knew by the end of fall freshman year that I’d want to transfer but was concerned about my GPA. I ended up doing a midyear transfer so I could use the spring term to raise my grades but still will spend most of my college career at the school I want to be at. If you apply for fall 2011 your spring grades won’t factor into your gpa. I was probably accepted because my grades did go up so much in that one extra term. Not all schools have this option but you can check into your top schools. I’m a sophomore now, I applied this last november, found out two weeks ago, and will be attending my new school in 3 weeks. :)</p>