<p>Hello, I'm currently an NYU freshman in Paris. I'm considering applying as a transfer student. (Skip to the stats if you don't want my whole backstory)</p>
<p>Here's my situation. I'm in NYU's "Liberal Studies" program. It's a set curriculum, and students are able to study abroad their freshman year. I being the (starry-eyed, first born, first generation) student that I am chose a year in Paris with NYU over UCLA and some in-state options (Colorado-Boulder and Denver). I wasn't sure what I was doing. I'm aware that I'm probably in the lower half of both UCLA and NYU (both did not offer me any merit aid), and have accepted it. </p>
<p>The reason that I'm looking to transfer is that I'm becoming more and more interested in a major that NYU does not offer, geology. While at the same time, I'm still fairly sure that I want to continue studying (the major I applied for) art history. Ideally I would be able to double major in both or find a way to combine the two. However, the campus that I'm currently at (NYU-Paris) does not offer any math or science courses. So, it is difficult to tell if I actually want to study geology or if this is a case of me wanting something that I can't have. (Also, I am fully aware of the fact that this is all under the preface that I could completely change my mind in a few months like a typical college student and end up being a business major) </p>
<p>The second reason for me to consider transferring is "the liberal arts college experience". Currently, at NYU-Paris there are only 76 freshmen and about 230 students total. It's probably the smallest college anyone can really ask for. I have completely fallen in love with the feel and structure of it (mind you all my classes are capped off at 18 students). Next year be the exact opposite of this year (my program will basically be me in CAS classes in NY next year). I like the small classes. I like the small number of people. I like that my school is actually just a converted house. While I know all of these are not possible in schools for next year, I think, in general, a LAC (or LAC like environment) would be a better fit for me. </p>
<p>But, my numbers are less than stellar and the only colleges that I keep finding that fit my profile seem to be WAY out of reach. </p>
<p>--College stats--
Male
Asian
First Gen
NYU-Paris for Liberal Studies
GPA: approx 3.3-3.5
Classes and grades:
Intensive Elementary French (supposedly the equivalent of a year of college French):B+
Writing: A-
Cultural Foundations: A-
Social Foundations: (not official, but it'll be in the B+/B range)
Audited an art workshop: (A)</p>
<p>Part of the student council
Not much else because the campus doesn't offer much else in EC's and I didn't know enough French to simply do things outside of school</p>
<p>--High School Stats--
Large public high school, not prestigious, very normal
GPA-W:4.438 GPA-UW 3.70
ACT: 31 (R:30 W:30 M:32 S:32)
Class Rank: 16 out of 421
Lots of AP's 16' tests total mostly 4's a few 5's and 3's
But there's a downward trend in my grades (straight A's my freshman year slowly morphed in to equal number of A's B's and C's my the end of my senior year)</p>
<p>EC's: worked for years at my parent's restaurant, speech and debate captain, directed a one act, volleyball, science olympiad captain, volunteering (300+ hours), art (not to flaunt, but I can submit a fairly strong portfolio), (and for what it's worth) academic hall of fame at my high school, and homecoming king. </p>
<p>--Other Things--
Starting at the end of my senior year, I've begun to loose a considerable amount of weight. While it's not something essay worthy, it does take up a considerable amount of time and effort on my part.
I can submit (what I consider) to be a strong art portfolio (5 in AP 3-D plus my new stuff which is mostly pastels and watercolor)
Living in a foreign country where I didn't know the language my freshman year has really made me do some "real life" learning. I make all my own meals (I'm a decent cook I've been told) and have an hour commute everyday.
I can get an honest, but what will generally be a favorable letter of rec from my Cultural Foundations prof. (also the student council organizer) </p>
<p>What are my matches and what should I do? I'm looking for geology and art history in a small or small-like college environment. Everything I keep finding and liking seems completely out of reach. (these include Yale, Boudwin, Michigan's Residential College, and Haverford). I've been rejected by most of these places, so theres also that aspect, but I honestly feel like I didn't completely show myself off enough last year. What colleges should I look into and is it foolish to re-apply to places that straight up rejected me even if I do feel like I have a stronger app?</p>