Please help match a confused freshman!

<p>Hi everyone...I'm currently a freshman at Miami (OH) University and I'm pretty sure I want to transfer for Fall 2006. I'm really ignorant on what my chances are for any schools so I thought I could get some help here. Here's my information:</p>

<p>High School:</p>

<p>4.566 GPA - 2nd in graduating class
1340 SAT - 32 ACT
Tough courses for the most part - some postsecondary work at Akron University and a few AP classes
Extracurriculars: above average</p>

<p>College:</p>

<p>Honors Program at Miami (400 students out of 3,500)
4.0 GPA through first semester
Courses: History, Honors English, Honors Psychology, Astronomy and Space Physics, Philosophy
Extracurriculars: Mock Trial, Faculty Mentor Program, some community service
Next semester courses - History, Political Science, Spanish, Theatre, (Aeronautics possibly)
--How important are second semester classes and grades?</p>

<p>I have realized that Miami's homogenous (92% white) environment and campus centered community does not fit me. I believe an urban environment (or close to an urban area) would be much better for me in terms of life experience/opportunities/growth. I am currently a History/Philosophy double major and have been trying to find a new school. </p>

<p>What are the top universities I have a chance to get into?
What are my chances at NYU, Georgetown, GWU, or the Ivies?</p>

<p>Sorry for the long post and thanks for any help you can offer. I could really use any advice you have to give.</p>

<p>My actual dream school would be Columbia University....do I have any chance at all there?</p>

<p>Also, would retaking the SATs be something I should consider? I think a 32 should be pretty decent for the ACT, but I know my 1340 isn't as competitive? Is it worth it to retake?</p>

<p>Dude that's pretty good, I think you have pretty good shots, you might consider retaking that SAT.</p>

<p>Is it good enough for a place like Columbia or another Ivy?</p>

<p>Also, I know the SAT isn't amazing, but would it be worth the time/extra cost to retake it? Do most colleges take the better of the SAT and ACT?</p>

<p>Sorry but I gotta bump this</p>

<p>You definitely have a chance at Columbia; you're doing well at a relatively good school. As opposed to spending time on the SAT, though, I'd recommend using that time to initiate contact with your rep in the admissions office.</p>

<p>ohhh we sound so similar. I'm applying to Harvard, G-town, NYU and Barnard... go for it. I got a 1360 and I was told by a rep from Georgetown that this was in the competitive applicant range, so you should be fine. Really research WHY you want to go to these schools, I've heard that's a pretty decisive factor since so many applicants have similar grades and test scores. Good luck!</p>

<p>Exactly how do I keep contact with an admissions advisor? I actually went to Columbia University and got to meet the transfer director there. She explained the process to me, gave me her card, and told me to let her know if I have any questions. I gave her my name and just left after a few minutes. How do I keep contact? I don't want to just call for no reason, what's the proper thing to do?</p>

<p>Good luck to you too For Shaganov...maybe I'll see you at a school next year!</p>

<p>Does anyone else have any advice or suggestions about anything?</p>

<p>I'm interested in Columbia as well. But I don't think I'm a terribly competitive applicant, because Columbia only takes around 60 transfers a year. Can somebody shed some light on the emphasis placed on high school grades vs 1st semester freshman grades? I only had a 92 average in high school but I have a 4.0 at SUNY Binghamton. I'd be applying as an english major and I write for the newspaper and have a 790 verbal score for the sat (1440). If so much emphasis is placed on high school grades, should I even bother?</p>

<p>don ure hs grades are good enough...u guys need to stop stressing out, you all have competitive applications...work on the soft sell</p>

<p>thanks aca!</p>

<p>I knew my regional representative from applying as a freshman. I'd assume, though, that you can just call the office, and ask for the name and email of the person in your region. Make contact, and ask questions once in awhile--ask anything, from how many transfers they plan on accepting this year, to what is emphasized most in the application, etc etc. And if you're ever in the NY area, you should meet with him too; it'll just make sure he remembers you when it comes time to look at your application. And remember he's the one who's fighting for you in the committee.</p>