please answer!

Transfer Students
1

<p>I keep hearing mixed messages about transferring.. some people say it's harder because the acceptance rates are lower (especially for some of the first-tier schools to which I want to apply) but some people say it's easier to transfer out because it's more a matter of WHY you want to go to that particular school and showing that school how you've grown since you graduated high school.</p>

<p>I am a freshman student at Cooper Union's School of Art, and I want to transfer to Columbia for my junior year (sticking it out at Cooper for a bit first, just in case). What are my chances?</p>

<p>College stats:
- GPA: 3.6
- National Society of Collegiate Scholars
- Taking eight classes--we have to follow a rigorous foundation program (last semester it was 17 credits, this semester it's 15) the first year, but I'm taking Spanish on my own initiative.
- Member of Cooper Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) and NYC SDS, and I'm starting a discussion group in the NYC-wide SDS, plus there's a chance I might be taking over Cooper SDS next year
- I write for campus publications
- Work-study job tutoring kids--this has special significance to me, because I'm considering going into education later on</p>

<p>High school stats:
- GPA: 3.85
- National Honor Society
- AP English and AP US History (both 4s)
- SAT: 2080
- Many art and writing awards
- Member of Open-Mic poetry club</p>

<p>Additional info that may be relevant:
- My mother is an alumnus
- I have been a NYC resident my whole life</p>

<p>The bottom line is, I want to transfer out because I feel as though in high school, I realized far too late that I wanted to be academically serious. I had been far more focused solely on my art for the majority of my h.s. years--and as a result I am now in art school. But I don't just want to study art. I want opportunities to study in many different areas within a very intellectually rigorous environment--in addition to being able to study art. I also want to learn in ways that don't just involve classes and textbooks (I feel as though there's too much of that here at Cooper). And where better place to study than in New York City, where all of this knowledge that you acquire in college comes to life.</p>

2

<p>Well, it's true. The transfer rates are typically far lower than freshman acceptance rates. In that regard, it is harder. However, for transfers it seems, it's less about OH MY GOD HOW MANY EXTRACURRICULARS CAN YOU FIT ON ONE PAGE and more about, as you said, why you want to go there.
It seems like you're doing very well at your current school, and that you show maturity by "sticking it out." Do everything you can to hedge your bets at Columbia (Write a great essay, schedule an interview, etc.) and then wait. Also, maybe look into other schools in big cities so you're not just hoping on one school. I know your mom is an alumnus, so that helps at Columbia, but there are a lot of other city art schools as well!
Good luck!</p>

3

<p>I am transferring as a junior to Columbia College next semester, so I can speak to your question from personal experience. Your activities sound impressive, and your reason for transferring is definitely valid, but I think you need to bring up your college GPA. I am transferring with a 3.97 from an elite Honors program in New York City. While it’s no Cooper Union, I’ve also been taking 15 credits (sometimes 19), and I’ve only gotten 2 A-s so far in college. Don’t worry so much about high school stats as a junior; college is what counts. The other advice I can give is that (a) make sure your essay clearly demonstrates why Columbia is the best fit for you and (b) have recommenders who will speak not only to your academic ability, but to your personal characteristics (maturity, sincerity, etc.) as well. I was looking around the Fall 2009 Columbia transfer post earlier and other successful applicant gave advice quite similar to what I’m telling you now. It resonated with me so much that I figured, if there was ever a magic formula for getting in, this gotta be it. Best of luck to you!</p>