<p>I'm trying to transfer to places like Cornell and Georgetown and some other real reach Ivies. My question is, my grades are fairly good. I'm in my sophomore year and so far the only thing less than an A I've received is an A- in a math class. In a 400 level writing intensive course, I'm thinking I'll probably end up getting another A- because the teacher is...I don't want to say unreasonable, although I'm beginning to think that...but extremely difficult. I realize that the teachers in the place I'm attempting to transfer will be difficult as well, but how much will this A- hurt my chances in these places ?</p>
<p>What will your GPA end up being?</p>
<p>LOL. I'm applying to Penn and G-town with a whole slew of A-s, Bs, and even a C+. I can't see that two A-s, your lowest grades, will really hurt you. You'll obviously have a GPA that is higher than a 3.7 no matter what. It might depend more on what school you are attending now.</p>
<p>By the way, dude. I'm sure that many schools are aware that professors are sometimes weird on grades. For example, in the non-honors sections at my school, professors abitrarily decide where the A/A- distinction is (different for different classes). Which is pretty sketchy. I'm sure that having only TWO A-s won't be detrimental at all, because you prolly have something around a 3.9, right?</p>
<p>You do not need a 4.0 to transfer to highly selective schools. The CC obsession with perfect 4.0 and perfect SAT scores is one I would really like to see fade into obscurity.</p>
<p>If you are a prospective transfer student sporting a near 4.0 average, I would love to see you turn your focus toward something else. </p>
<p>WRT transfer apps, that might be finding a school which really fits you (not a name off the USN&WR list just because it's near the top), strong relationship with a couple profs to help with your recs, how your essays will really showcase you, your valid reason for transfer, the way the proposed school fits your needs better than your current school.</p>
<p>WRT other things, having a little fun would be nice. :)</p>
<p>YOULL BE FINEE1!!!! </p>
<p>I think./..</p>
<p>I'm resurrecting this thread. Most of the things I've heard are encouraging, so that's helpful. I'm pretty sure that I'll end up with an A- in that class. The one thing I'm wondering is: if I took two 400 level classes next semester and got As in them, would that go a long way in convincing transfer schools this A- was just a minor lapse ? Although I'm not so happy with the grade, I feel its really given me more of an insight into what professors want. I'm a Poly Sci major, so there's a lot of research involved.</p>
<p>You're worrying too much. The A- won't hurt, especially since it is your only one.</p>
<p>It's my second. I was just wondering because of how competitive those schools are, seems like it would make a difference.</p>
<p>CX3,</p>
<p>You're worrying needlessly. Focus on enjoying your classes and getting your apps done. You're in great shape.</p>