<p>So I really messed up as far as applications (essays) go, getting only into my academic safety. My essays were very subpar, and colleges that I had a really great chance at, I was rejected (a former professor of a match school who taught me Junior year said that I was a perfect fit). Because of this, I have been considering the possibility of transferring if I feel that the college I go to, the University of Rochester, is not right for me.</p>
<p>Currently, there are four colleges that I feel strongly about applying to, which are Harvey Mudd, Stanford, MIT, and Cornell, with Caltech and U Chicago being two schools that I may consider as well. If I don't get into these schools, though, I will be content with going to the University of Rochester.</p>
<p>As a Freshmen, I will be at least getting placement past Calculus 2 and maybe Calculus 3. I will also be getting placement past general Chem and Physics (both E&M and Mechanics), with credits in a CS elective. I'm hoping to take a full year of Honors Physics and a whole year of Honors Math my first year, as well as a full year of Chinese and a semester of Chem. The last semester will probably be devoted to a required writing class.</p>
<p>My final GPA for HS will probably be around a 4.56 weighted (4.7 without freshmen year) and I believe 3.7 unweighted (3.85 or so without freshmen year) and an IB Diploma at a top public school. I have a 2220 SAT superscored, an 800 Math II, and a 750 Physics (which I might take again for an 800 since I didn't know thermo a year ago). I have 5s in AP Comp Sci. AB and Calc BC and likely 5s in Chem, Physics C (both), and Stat. This will get me around 40-50 credits at the University of Rochester.</p>
<p>So I was wondering what things there were that I could look into that could improve my chances, especially if I were to apply for a transfer as a Freshmen. I'm already working on getting a position helping a Physics professor do research at a local university (CU Boulder). Should I maybe e-mail the four colleges I mentioned asking for their advice as well? Thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>First of all, you should stop planning to transfer when you haven’t even BEEN to U of R yet!! That is absolutely ridiculous. Give it a shot, wait it out one semester and then consider transferring. It’s a horrible idea to go into ANY college with that level of pessimism. Take it easy.</p>
<p>“Because of this, I have been considering the possibility of transferring if I feel that the college I go to, the University of Rochester, is not right for me.”</p>
<p>I didn’t say that I was 100% transferring, but that if I don’t feel that Rochester is a fit for me, then I want to have options.</p>
<p>I agree with Dreamer- go into U of R planning (hoping!) to love it. If not, it’s very easy to turn stupid things into reasons why you dislike the school. Trust me on this one…I came to my current school for wrong reasons and will freely admit that my attitude in coming here is one of the biggest reasons I’m transferring. Enjoy it :)</p>
<p>That being said, the single most important factor in transfer decisions is your college GPA. Most schools of the caliber you’re looking at want above a 3.7 GPA…which is way harder than it sounds!!</p>
<p>If you go in with that attitude, then you will not enjoy your time there. How do you know Rochester isn’t a fit for you? Is it because it is not a top tier school?</p>
<p>Go in with a open mind and if it doesn’t work out, then consider transferring.</p>
<p>Going in with the attitude that if it doesn’t work out for me, I want to have a good chance at transferring is not a good attitude? It’s not any different from what you’re saying I should do, except that my attitude will be more beneficial should Rochester not work out.</p>
<p>So all in the spirit of planning ahead I called up Columbia Admissions hoping to recieve some feedback on my application. I was rejected last week, and I’ll be attending a local State school, that is basically RIGHT across the street from me. Before everyone bashes me for wanting to transfer before my fall classes, hear me out. I know the state school, and although it’s a pretty mediocre school I hope to transfer out after my freshmen year. It may not be Columbia, but hey I can always dream right? </p>
<p>So anyways, I called up Columbia and after being transferred to admissions, some snooty secretary told me that it would be a waste of time to talk to an admissions counselor about my application because all the information is online. I stressed that I have been over the website a bajillion time and just wanted some specific feedback on my app in gneral. Every other school was delighted that I even showed interest on the matter. Needless to say she didn’t even transfer me and recommended I read the website again and then hung up on me! OKay so I’m a bit bummed by her attitude, I don’t maybe it’s the Texas charm but she should let me decide if it’s a waste of time for me or not. I wanted to know because I feel like in high school alot of kids knew the “insider info” or loopholes to getting around certain things. I’m first generation so I have no one to look for advice. </p>
<p>P.S. I wanted to rant about my disappointment with Columbia so I picked this thread don’t punish me for trying. =] OP - Cider I don’t think there is anything wrong with planning ahead to transfer you need a goal, and that happens to be one. It just motivates you harder, in my opinion. But yes I agree go into the whole process with an open mind, I’m still excited about my mediocre state school. It’s always a growing experience but yeah initially I want to transfer OUT. :)</p>
<p>I don’t know that you will get much advice on how to improve your chances by emailing the admissions offices. But I suppose there is no harm in trying.</p>
<p>Read Transfer 101 Admissions thread for guidance on important factors and what you can do.</p>
<p>And… I agree with the others. Read the thread; then put all thoughts of transfer aside until after your first term. Give URoch a real try at finding it to be a place where you can “bloom where you are planted.” </p>
<p>If you wish in December, then you can start the transfer app process. You are obviously aware that the schools you’ve chosen are very long shot… so it is good that you have decided to be content at URoch if transfer doesn’t pan out.</p>
Friend said his ED one pretty much was saying all the other applicants were better or something, but prob exaggeration.</p>