Smith College to UCONN?

Transfer Students
1

<p>This is basically a chances thread but I have some other questions too, so any help would be appreciated. : )</p>

<p>I'm currently a first year at Smith College and I pretty much hate everything about it. (Note: I applied early decision and thought it would fit me perfectly, so it's not like I'm one of those people who didn't get in anywhere and went in with a spiteful attitude) I thought I wanted a small school but the environment is absolutely suffocating and the classes aren't even that small! The average is advertised as 12 per class but I think it's probably double that amount except for the upper level seminars. Also, there's absolutely no diversity here. I don't mean in background or color, but in opinion. Generally, the women here claim to be "open minded and tolerant" but are only so to the people who agree with them. Of course there are exceptions to this rule but not many that I've found. Also, the history department (I'm now considering this as my major) is pretty meager in its course offerings.</p>

<p>Basically, I don't think Smith is worth the tuition money and I want to transfer.</p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>College GPA (one semester): 3.28
100 level language: A -
First year seminar: B+
100 level GOV class: B+
200 level English: B-</p>

<p>Member of two organizations</p>

<p>SAT combined: 2000
Reading: 670
Math: 700
Writing: 630</p>

<p>High school GPA: 4.1 (out of a 5.0 scale. The valedictorian had a 4.7, if that helps)
I took all honors and AP classes every year</p>

<p>ECs:
Founder/president of a book club
Member of litmag all four years
Member of all girls community service club all four years
JV fencing Freshman year
Volunteered tons
Piano lessons outside of school</p>

<p>I know a lot of the info is vague but I'm trying not to identify myself over the internet.</p>

<p>Basically, do I have a chance of getting into UCONN? I know Smith is technically more prestigious but that's because of it's historic reputation more than anything else. Its current acceptance rate is well over fifty percent. Also, my college GPA is pretty low due to the one B-. I think I would have gotten in straight out of high school but I know that state schools are getting TONS of apps this year because of the economy and I really don't know how tough transferring into it is. UCONN said on its site that it prefers people from community colleges so I'm really worried.</p>

<p>If not are there any other schools people here would suggest applying to? Preferably large ones with good history departments.</p>

2

<p>If you are not seeking financial aid, then there are many options available to you. With a 1370/1600 SAT I and well over a 3.0 GPA from a prestigious LAC, you should be admitted to UConn. Although it is a reach, Brown University may be worth a try in your case. Many realize that the atmosphere of some very left, as well as right, leaning schools is one of intolerance for dissenting opinions, so that your reasons for wanting to transfer are likely to be accepted as genuine & understood. In order to get a serious look from elite schools, such as Brown, JHU, Northwestern, etc., you need to also offer a compelling & convincing reason to want to attend that particular school. The Univ. of Chicago, like Brown, Northwestern & JHU, is a reach, but if that university appeals to you then you should try. My gut feeling based on the scant info. shared in your post, leads me to recommend Brown, Tufts &, of course UConn.
As a transfer student, your SAT scores are not as important as they were for freshman admission because you will not impact the elite schools' common data set reporting or standing in ratings which take SATs into account. Your ability to pay your way will also help your chances as a transfer student.
Wesleyan University may also be an option for you to consider.</p>

3

<p>I also encourage you to consider some LACs that offer a more tolerant environment such as Scripps, Amherst & Barnard College. Boston University, possibly. As I don't know much about you, I am a bit hesitant to recommend any Southern schools such as Vanderbilt because they may be too conservative for your tastes.
Earlier I wrote that in some respects Smith is the Bob Jones University of the left. I do not mean to offend anyone, but intolerance of dissenting opinions is the common thread. Imagine walking across the campus of Smith College with a sweatshirt proclaiming "I Vote Pro-Life", and imagine walking across the campus of Bob Jones Univ. with a sweatshirt announcing that "I Vote Pro-Choice", if you want to understand my perspective.</p>

4

<p>recommending that OP apply to brown, tufts and u chicago with a 3.28 is not wise and setting them up for a huge letdown</p>

<p>you should have a very very good shot at uconn however...fordham is relatively diverse politically and you should have a shot at getting in...perhaps franklin and marshall, trinity college (the one in connecticut, not texas)</p>

<p>best of luck</p>

5

<p>I agree that you are probably correct, but if the OP is considering transferring & has convincing & compelling reasons for wanting to attend one of these elite privates, then now is her last chance realistically. Smith's academics are well regarded. With a near safety such as UConn, she should feel free to try especially since she will not be seeking financial aid. The most important part of her transfer apps to elite private schools may be the professors' recommendation. This is a very difficult year economically speaking, so spots are likely to open up for transfers for which there are no financial aid funds left in the budgets--which were put in place prior to the downturn.
P.S. I disagree with the recommendations for Trinity College & F&M. Better to look at Michigan, Wisconsin & Indiana.</p>

6

<p>If U Conn. is your home-state public U. based on your residence, and you graduated from HS in that state, your chances should be pretty good. Pick up the telephone and call the transfer admissions office and ask them what you need to do to transfer there. Tell them that you can start in the summer session if it will be easier for you to find a space then.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best.</p>