<p>How much of a factor is past admission history on a transfer admission decision? (e.g. getting rejected as a freshman applicant). I was rejected by HYPS, waitlisted at Wharton and Columbia. Does getting rejected hinder your chances considerably? How about waitlisting?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>I've had these questions myself and seem to find little to no help. Most (including myself) speculate that previous acceptances or waitlistings can only help, but matter little in all probability. Previous rejections are probably noted, but serve as a benchmark to measure improvement perhaps. Let me know if you find anything more compelling.</p>
<p>Well, I personally think we have to look at this rationally. Most of the top schools merely ask if we had applied before. Note that they do NOT ask if we were accepted/rejected/waitlisted. It is my understanding that our applications are destroyed after the admissions process ends, so I can't see them caring much about whether or not we were rejected.</p>
<p>I think they ask so they can look up any materials they have on hand. I've reapplied to several places and haven't had to resubmit my HS transcript/report or my SAT scores, thank god.</p>
<p>Sorry for double-posting. I can't say whether past decisions affect chances, although I'm sort of hoping it works out in my favor (re. Swarthmore). Pomona waitlisted me in high school, but flat-out rejected me the last time I applied, so... there you go. Then again, I was accepted twice at Carnegie Mellon, so I think it would make sense to say that if you were deemed qualified enough at one point, you probably will be again, as long as you've maintained good standing.</p>
<p>do ivies maintain old portfolios on a student?</p>
<p>i've hired some professional help, and according to them, your previous history does matter</p>
<p>not sure about other schools, but stanford keeps records for at least 3 yrs.</p>
<p>
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It is my understanding that our applications are destroyed after the admissions process ends, so I can't see them caring much about whether or not we were rejected.
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</p>
<p>^ thats not true, most schools keep applicant's records for 2-3 years.</p>
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thats not true, most schools keep applicant's records for 2-3 years.
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Including essays? Because I know they keep transcripts and test scores.</p>
<p>That depends on the school. I know that Dartmouth doesnt keep anything; they automatically destroy everything if rejected. However, the majority keeps the whole application, from what I know.</p>
<p>Ah...my apologies for my misconception.</p>
<p>Really? The entire application? Still...I don't understand why Ivies "discourage students from applying after only one semester"</p>
<p>They discourage it because one semester doesn't allow for much growth or change. I mean, if you were already statistically qualified for an Ivy, remaining so is not all that taxing to do. But, with so many qualified applicants for every available spot, just having the numbers is insufficient. They want to see something unique and compelling. Chances are, if you didn't have it the first time, you won't have it a semester later.</p>
<p>Keeping past applications does vary by school as does whether or not they ask what the outcome was if you applied before. For instance, Brown only keeps your records if you requested them to the spring that you were not accepted. They also ask if you were A, R or WL as a freshman on the transfer app, while two other schools I've seen only ask if you applied.</p>
<p>I just called Penn, and the lady said that "you get a fresh chance" when you apply. I've been calling the other Ivies about clerical stuff (like whether to send certain forms), and throwing that question in, so I'll post later.</p>
<p>Also good to know if you have to send SAT's again!</p>
<p>Ivy-transfer, did the lady at Penn elaborate beyond that? I mean, that sounds nice in theory, but such a vague statement leaves me wondering what exactly they meant. Do they still retain records? Do the revisit those? Note a change in which college you apply (ex. Wharton to CAS)?</p>
<p>No idea. I think they keep records. To me, it depends on how much you have changed since your admission decision. For me, my ECs changed completely, and so have my grades. If it didnt' work last time, I don't think it will work again, is basically want I mean.</p>
<p>I think calling adm. officers at your target schools is the best idea.</p>