Alright, to those who are reading and possibly going to reply to my post, let me say thank you. I did alright in high school. By alright, I mean I was able to get into SUNY Purchase–which is not that selective in anything besides their fine art programs–and due to my SAT scores, which are slightly higher than alright, I received a STEM scholarship. After my first semester My GPA was a 2.07. I lost my scholarship, and my parents demanded that I transferred back home to attend Dutchess Community College. During my first semester there I did not show up to any of my classes, and received all F’s. I dealt with some personal issues during the break and retook all of the courses, but only managed to get a 3.0. I then changed my major and focused primarily on English and creative writing. As of now the majority of the English department knows me by name and frequently asks when and where I plan on transferring to, insisting that they will write me a letter of recommendation. Also, in my last two semesters I have earned nothing less than a 3.7, became a tutor in the writing center, been published in the schools literary magazine, and became an active member in both student government and the debate club–I will most likely hold a position next semester.
Because of the extremities which my academic profile is comprised of, I am having a difficult time putting together a solid list of universities and colleges to apply to. I know that my list of schools should consist of some safeties, targets, and reaches, but I am having a really difficult time deciphering which caliber of schools I should be looking into for transfer.
As of now my list ranges from schools I feel like I am very likely to get into and schools which I laugh at myself for considering. The truth is, I really have no clue which I should considering, mainly because I have yet to come across any college admission page that discusses the “turn around student.” I was hoping that I could receive some input on the schools I am currently considering, as well as advice on other universities and colleges that a student like me should consider applying to.
Here is my list
University of Arizona (My home town, I moved to New York between my sophomore and junior year of high school)
University of Washington
College of William and Mary (I laugh at myself here)
Northwestern (Still laughing)
University of Hawaii at Manoa (Using mainly as a practice application, but hey its Hawaii)
Boston University
University of North Carolina-Wilmington
University of Southern California (expensive I know, and probably unlikely. Right?)
What can you pay for? Transfers students have to be very cost conscious as money is not given to them like freshmen get. Also you have OOS colleges that you will be full pay at the OOS rate, ouch. No, I don’t think likely you can get into a college the level of USC or NU or Wm & Mary, unless your advisor is telling you that you are a very gifted and talented writer, can write a compelling letter to that effect and it would be better to have a author credit in a well regarded pub outside of your own college. I would just pick the one you really like the best as a reach. I don’t know why you don’t have more affordable instates on your list. Also you might be good with the turnaround story at some LACs and they are usually really great for writing, but not as high up the ranking lists.
So you basically have 1 semester 2.0, then one failed and retaken sem and one extra sem at 3.7. It is great that you have found your footing.
As of now I actually have two semesters at a 3.7, I don’t know if that changes anything–maybe demonstrates academic consistency? SUNY schools (New York’s state colleges and universities) are great and very affordable, it’s just that SUNY Purchase has the best writing program, and I did not enjoy my experience there. Also, thanks for responding, I figured that some of those schools were indeed reach schools. How about U of W and BU? Also, do you have any specific schools you think would be a good match for me? I would like to attend the best school I could get into. Any suggestions on how to improve my application, besides publication? I scored a 1910 on my SAT, but that was without studying and I took it once, would retaking it boost my application?
yes, 2 semesters, I got that great job. However transfers are going to be tricky, you just don’t know. I don’t think colleges consider post HS SAT scores. How would you pay for UW with a non resident COA of 52k and you a full payer? What is your budget anyway. You might like Purchase now that you are doing better in your studies.
@brownparent I figure between loans, maybe some scholarship money from phi theta kappa and whatever other scholarship money I could scrap up I could cover it. I have saved money by attending a community college, and my semester at SUNY Purchase was covered mainly by my STEM scholarship. I do agree that cost should be taken into consideration, however I feel that I should leave my options open and try to get into the best options possible
You can’t cover OOS college costs with random scholarships. Run the Net Price Calculator on each school’s web site. What is your college cum GPA right now? You have a 2.07 + 0.0 + 3.0 + 3.7x2?
@ErinsDad the semester I got the 3.0 was the semester I retook all of the courses I failed. But yes I can’t cover the cost with scholarship money, but I am willing to take out student loans.
The most you can borrow in any one year is $7.5K.
Are you willing to take out private loans?