Hi, I’m considering applying to Yale as a transfer student. I know it is very competitive and obviously even with a 36 my options wouldn’t be guaranteed, but do you think a 33 is a good enough ACT score to apply with (I had 3 very high section scores and one 28).
I only got to take the ACT once in high school due to finances (one free score was paid for by my county), and I think the low math score was probably a fluke. My financial situation is different now that I am on my own, so I could pay to take it again. Should I re-take the exam? Does the 28 look really bad?
Thank you in advance!
It goes without saying but, as a transfer student, your academic performance in college will always outrank your test scores. For most competitive colleges, they are indeed required, but we’re splitting hairs when we compare a 32/33/34 ACT for a transfer student.
If you feel like you can make a significant improvement over a 28, then take the test and get it off your mind. If preparing for the test is getting in the way of studying for your classes, then don’t bother. Make your college experience count.
Yale, and other selective colleges in its orbit, will want to see a valid and specific reason for choosing their school. A strong reason will generally weigh more than a standardized test “meant” for high-school students. Good luck, this transfer road isn’t for the faint of heart :))
@AGoodFloridian Thank you so much for the advice! I definitely can do better than a 28 in math, but I’d only have one chance to retest, so who knows? Do you think bumping it up to a 30/31 and getting a 34 composite would matter?
For the record, I’m applying because my college (top 5 public) only offers a very limited minor (5 classes, I will have 2 done before my freshman year is over) in my great love, writing. I’m interested in Yale’s writing concentration and their overall spectacular creative writing options.
Do you think that’s a valid reason to transfer?
Anyways, as far as my record goes, I have all As. Unfortunately, I am only taking four classes but I have completed a summer session, so I will have grades for 6 classes. I have a “W” on my transcript because I had to drop one course (got permission from a dean to drop, I had mono). I’m sure that will look less than stellar.
It wouldn’t matter too much, but if you feel you can do it, I would certainly encourage you to do so. It’s just one Saturday, right? Who knows how these minute details can make a difference in super selective college admissions… Transfer admissions can get even more freaky.
That’s actually a decent reason, Yale has a fantastic writing program! That’s your starting point, expand on it now. Imagine an admissions officer reading that- “We do! But so do a lot of our peer instituitions” etc. How will you specifically make the most of their resources in their writing department- are there any Yale-specific programs they have in that department that you’d kick butt in?
(Although you didn’t mention it, refrain from negative comments about your current institution. Always focus on what you would do at the desired university. If you need to refer to your university, make it in a reasonably grateful tone)
Props to you for excellent academic record at a high ranked university! If you’re involved on your campus, I would say you’re a strong candidate. Start thinking of additional colleges o have on your list by the way!
@AGoodFloridian Thank you for all the advice! I really appreciated your perspective on the essay, that’s a good way to think about it and I’ll definitely save your comment for later!
I may get an A- in one class, but at worst my GPA will be a 3.95 instead of a 4.0 (these are all mostly writing/gen-ed courses, which I’m good at, so while I’m doing better than most people it’s not that impressive). Hopefully that will be fine.
I’ve started to make my list (it’s about 6/7 colleges right now, I cut a lot after speaking to their financial aid offices - my FA situation is peculiar).
I’m very involved in campus activities, although I don’t have any leadership. I’m doing things I enjoy (writing for the school paper, on the board for a magazine, etc.). Hoping that counts!