<p>I currently attend Duke University. I am in my third semester (Sophomore). Before attending Duke I was accepted to both Amherst and Swarthmore, and I've realized since then that either one of those schools would have been a better match.</p>
<p>I have received very bad grades, due to my extreme unhappiness here, and too my discovering and attempting to handle mothers bout with advanced breast cancer.</p>
<p>If I were to apply to Amherst and Swarthmore again, would I be at an advantage, since obviously they saw something in me before, or a disadvantage, because of my grades??</p>
<p>And if I were to apply for the year 2008-2009, when I would be a Junior, should I apply as a transfer, or as a freshman, sincerely I feel seriously deprived of most of my college experience?</p>
<p>If I recall when you were deciding among Duke, Amherst, and Swarthmore, the prestige of the Duke name was alluring. I'm sorry to hear that things haven't met your expectations. Since many students face similar decisions, you might share a bit of the wisdom you have gained two years later that would lead you to make a different decision.</p>
<p>As for applying to Swarthmore or Amherst as a transfer, all you can do is give it a shot. Certainly having been accepted previously is an advantage; however, trying to assess odds on a transfer app is nearly impossible.</p>
<p>Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I'm sure it will all work out.</p>
<p>Yes, previously accepted is an advantage, but remember at top schools it's usually harder to get in as a transfer than frosh. Duke accepts twice the % of frosh than transfers. Amherst a little less than 20% for frosh but only like 12% of transfers. Sweatmore is better for transfers, accepting about the same % of frosh and transfers. This translates into having to perform well at Duke. If you do get into a decent school as a transfer, take a LOA from Duke, b/c maybe it's you and not the school. If you end up hating the transfer school more than Duke at least you can return to Durham. </p>
<p>I feel your pain, but you're in a tough spot. Another option is to study for a semester or yr at a school Duke has an exchange with, or study abroad for a yr or longer if you can and still grad from Duke. No matter how depressed you are in Durham don't sacrifice the name too much. You have the options I mentioned above and in addition you can take an LOA w/o going to any other school and come back refreshed after a semester or a yr. Good luck.</p>