Hello. I moved from a super small and STEM focused charter school where I was getting a 4.0 unweighted GPA with a pretty heavy course load (Precalculus, bio, chem, physics 1) to an incredibly competitive public high school in my sophomore year. As a result, I got a 3.489 GPA unweighted as a sophomore and will receive a GPA that is better by just a margin as a junior. I still put tremendous effort into everything I do and am taking one of the heaviest course loads in the school. Obviously, there are people that are doing the same course load as I am and are doing much better but, they did not transfer. My dream schools require students to be incredibly high achievers and I hope I still fall into that category. Should I stop hoping for admission into some top universities? Thank you! Please be completely honest and brutal if necessary.
It’s possible, but with a 3.5 GPA your current outlook for Ivy/Equivalents is bleak (if that’s what you’re aiming for). I also don’t think any school would buy the ‘I transferred so I struggled’ story’ in the event that you try to explain away your lackluster GPA.
You need to look for schools that fit your profile. With a 3.5 GPA, getting into Top 20 universities will be difficult. You can certainly put in applications to super reach/dream schools but also have safeties and matches.
Agree – and I’d suggest that you get that “dream school” idea out of your head and recognize that there are tons of amazing colleges and universities out there that can all give you a great experience and get you where you want to go in life. Those “dream schools” are so hyper-competitive with admissions generally under 10% (often lower) that no matter what you do, no matter what your GPA is admission would not be a guarantee. Focus on doing the best you can in terms of academics, ECs etc. and then seek out a range of reach, match, and safety schools that appear affordable and that you would be happy to attend.
Beetle, Yoncean, and Happy: Thank you so much! I will definitely keep this in mind as I advance in my college search.