Hi all,
I know it’s a silly question, but it seems to be the most critical issue that needs to be solved before I start my application prep.
I graduated highschool in 2008 and am planning to apply either as a freshman or non-traditional student. I finished a year of study at a college (2008-2009 academic year) with a mediocre GPA (3.5?3.6?) But since I am targeting the highest reaches one can imagine, I am worried that my mediocre GPA at a mediocre college will lower my chances (I got 2400/800/800 for SATI and IIs.) What should I do…?
It is what it is, although that is hardly mediocre.
You are a transfer student and admissions are very difficult for transfers to high end schools. With a year of college, you can’t apply as a freshman. I’d take a good look at the resumed student programs, Brown, Smith if you are female come to mind. I don’t know the academic requirements. And look at colleges that take a larger amount of transfers than Harvard (0 to 12), like Cornell. You may be good for Columbia GSE.
Thanks a lot…Im not quite inclined to Brown RUE. Any school other than GS can you recommend? I’m a male. Also, do you think it amounts to misrepresentation if I omit the fact that I attended college and apply as a freshman? I know I’m not supposed to do so, but I just want to ascertain whether I am legally prohibited to do so. Thanks…
Yes, it is fraud if you get financial aid on it. It is enough to get you declined/kicked out/diploma revoked for providing false info on your application. There is a clearinghouse for this information and it will be checked.
Since you are targeting the “highest reaches” it would be wise to take some additional courses now. The Ivy and selective LAC programs for non-traditional students want to see strong academic letters of recommendation, and often (as in Yale’s case) they specifically want to see strong <em>recent</em> academic performance in courses as rigorous as possible. Take the hardest courses you can find and work your butt off for a 4.0 in every one. Even if it’s just a handful of courses, the combination of a recent 4.0 in a rigorous track with your impeccable SATs could make the difference, and could meanwhile get you some strong recommendation letters (which you mentioned in another thread as a potential problem).
As for school recommendations, Columbia GS as previously mentioned, Yale Eli Whitney, Penn LPS, Tufts REAL. For selective LACs, Pitzer New Resources, Conn College RCP, Williams. Less selective but prestigious by virtue of rigor: Reed; Less selective but worth considering by virtue of undergraduate quality: Beloit, Hampshire