I am about to finish my first semester at a College (Fall 2015) that I am really unhappy at! Fortunately my GPA the first semester was not bad I had a 3.74. But I want to transfer after my second semester (Spring 2016) but my parents are telling me to apply now. I believe next semester I could get a 4.0 or 3.9 but my parents are telling me I have to start applying now. I want to get into a good university like Gerogetown University that I know is difficult but I believe I can get in if I do well this Spring Semester 2016. Anyway, should I start applying now or should I wait until I am in my Sophomore year to start applying to the big schools. I mean I would hate to stay at this college another year, but my dad said I would probably have to if I want to transfer to such competitive schools. Should I start applying now, and the colleges will see my Fall and Spring semester as an Undergraduate, or should I apply in my Sophomore year? What are my chances? I could apply now but I believe they would check my High School information and grades, which I do not want them to do because I didn’t do as well in High School! What do I do? I’m losing my mind over this. Help!
EDIT: I finished my first semester at the college I am currently at as an Undergraduate and I am going into my Spring Semester on January 19th! But if I want to transfer now I have to start applying ASAP. But, I don’t want them to check my highschool record, so should I wait until I am in my Sophomore Year at this College that I hate?
Colleges still ask for your high school grades for junior transfers. But, high school transcripts pretty much have no bearing at that point.
If you have the time might as well apply and see how it goes. How are your test scores?
My test scores? as in my SAT?
They are not great…
If you want to be a competitive applicant you should retake the SAT. Since a low hs gpa + subpar test scores with a 3.7 college gpa will be tough for georgetown
I agree. I don’t have time to retake the SAT… I’m actually thinking about a different school because Gerogetown is very difficult even the application process is a chore. I might go for Villanova that has a 48% acceptance rate. Do you think I will make it?
As a Sophomore transfer with only one full semester in college, your test scores and high school grades will count more. If you are targeting Villanova, take a look at whether you would have been admitted last year or whether you are far below their median GPA and test scores for Freshman admission. If you are close to the median, your chances are probably relatively good because you have the additional plus of demonstrating an ability to do quality college level work from your first semester.
Another option is to look for schools that have rolling admissions for transfers. This means you do not have to apply until May when your second semester is over and you can have (hopefully) two good semesters for show off.
Are you full pay? That will make a difference. You can always apply again if you don’t get in now.
Why are you unhappy at your current school? If you are sure you want to leave, I would just apply to places now for fall admission. That way you would have 3 years to spend in a school that should be a better spot for you.
But, how “not great” were your test scores and your HS transcript? The “good” universities that you mentioned will still give weight to those.
By the way, where did you get that 48% figure for Villanova? Their overall transfer acceptance rate is not that high. According to their common data sets, the last three years were 39%, 21%, and 26%. Of course the acceptance rates will vary by school/program, with some being easier/harder to get into than others.
Honestly, I wouldn’t bother retaking the SAT at this point. Spend the time you would spend preparing for that on your current classes.