Hey all,
I know so little about the transfer process I’m really looking for any and all feedback.
I’m a second semester first year at a T20 University with plans to go to a top law school. I am really struggling to find my niche, and I really don’t fit in with the culture at my university. I feel that my sense of not belonging has led to lower grades and a general sense of apathy by being here. My first semester GPA was a 3.53 and after this semester it’s looking like it will be a 3.65 for my first year. I grew up in a small town in the rural Midwest, so I was completely unfamiliar with the college admissions process. Consequently, I didn’t even know that LAC’s existed when I applied to schools. I only applied to the school I am currently at, and some safety state schools. I have spent time at top LAC’s with friends and have decided that the classes, culture, and environment at a similar-caliber LAC would be much better for my plans to go to a top law school, and having a better fit than my university would allow me to get better grades.
Firstly, would a top LAC even accept a transfer from a top university with a lower GPA? Money is an issue so I would need to attend a school that offers comparable financial aid. I am not a minority, nor do I have any “hooks” other than my high school accomplishments. I however have no doubt that I could write a compelling essay for why I would need to switch–the process is just so unfamiliar to me.
Secondly, is it worth transferring to just have a better social and academic fit? So few students pursue higher degrees from my university, it’s astonishing. Now that I know more about the college admissions process, I know what kind of school would actually be good for me, instead of applying to one on a whim as I did.
I don’t know if I should list other stats from high school, or if those even matter to transfer. I was hoping someone on here would have been in a similar situation or could offer some help.
tl;dr student at top university, GPA on lower side and need financial aid. Don’t fit in with culture and have few opportunities for what I want to do in the future. Pros/cons to transferring to a similar caliber LAC.
Thanks guys.