<p>So I read TaggartNY's post about transferring, and felt compelled to back that post up with my story about transferring...but also among other things in my situation, cause I'm sure yall can relate to them all.</p>
<p>I went to a rigorous prep school where the classwork was tough, homework was tedious, and the research papers were ridiculously long. However, I did not concern myself with academics for the first two years or so. I put social matters above my schoolwork, as I wanted to make good friends at this school. And I did--I had some of the best friends I could've ever hoped for. Unfortunately, I did not balance my social and academic life out. I ended up graduating with a low GPA, about a B average. </p>
<p>UNC was my first choice school. I knew I would never get in, but I held hope in my little heart that maybe my above average SAT score, good EC's, intricate essays, and helpful recs would get me in. Of course...I didn't make the cut. I was expecting it. But I still cried when I received my rejection letter and was depressed for a few weeks. I'm sure some of you can understand how terrible it feels to be rejected from a school that you love. I felt worthless for a while, even though I had been accepted to other universities of good quality. In the end, I chose to attend Appalachian State University.</p>
<p>I went with positive goals in my mind. I was a Mountaineer, but if the time passed and I still wanted to go to UNC, I would apply as a transfer to become a Tar Heel. So I worked my butt off...I did all of my homework, asked for extra help when I needed it, studied as hard as possible for my tests, managed my time well, volunteered, got active in the ASU community, got to know my professors (as well as I could). I made great friends along the way. I generally loved my time at ASU. But I still envisioned myself at UNC. So I applied for sophomore year. I had a 3.8 for the first semester at ASU. But unfortunately, I was denied. I know it was because of my less-than-stellar highschool record.</p>
<p>I was disheartened, but far from beaten. I continued to learn and grow at ASU, and saved time for my friends too. Over the summer I continued to volunteer. And when mid-sophomore year came, I applied for UNC, again. I included a letter explaining why I loved UNC so much and why I wanted to attend (mostly for my intended major). I had the GPA, I had a 3.8 for three straight semesters. I worried painfully over whether I would be accepted, as I knew this was my last chance. But I was prepared for whatever came my way--if I didn't get accepted, I guess UNC and I just weren't meant to be. But....April finally came around, and guess what? I was accepted!</p>
<p>I've had an amazing two years at the school of my dreams. And it was all because I worked towards my goal. :) My advice to all you potential transfer students is, don't EVER give up! Just because you had a weak highschool record does not mean anything about you. I was a late bloomer, and realized my potential in college. It is always possible to make it into your dream school, whether it be for undergrad or grad. so if you are ever feeling disheartened or think you can't do it, remember TaggartNY and I's stories. If someone had told me years ago that I'd be graduating from UNC Chapel Hill, I would've laughed hysterically. But I worked hard and did it, and now I have. So keep working hard. Don't slack, keep your goals in mind. Don't lose hope if you're not accepted as a sophomore--apply as a junior! And always remember you can achieve it if you really set your mind to it! <3</p>