<pre><code> I am going to be starting as a freshman this fall at UCI. However, UCI was not my first choice, and while I realize that I should not judge the school before actuallly attending, my experiences with my peers throughout the summer as well as the orientation program has indicated to me that another college may be a better fit for me. I have been looking specifically for a college plan that allows a great deal of flexibilty, and some specific courses that I am looking for. Therefore, Brown is essentially my first choice. I feel that I am capable of getting a 3.9-4.0 gpa, since I am taking mostly intro lecture classes. However, my drawback is my high school record, where I had a 3.3ish (however, with the toughest schedule possible), and mediocre SATs (2170 and 800/730/630 Math/US Hist/Bio). I am really enthusiasitc about transferring next year, however I am afraid that my hs record will be my achilles heel. does anyone know how Brown views the HS record, perhaps in juxtaposition to a far superior hs record. I am sure that I could wangle some good recs, and get involved in some ECs which I like. Any advice you guys could provide would be much appreciated. Thanks
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<p>there's no magic to it. give it your best shot for things you can control like the essay. continue to perform well in college. your high school record will definitely be looked at in the context of your schedule and relative class standing. if you were at the top of your class with a 3.3 you may be in good shape. otherwise, this is a big stretch for you.</p>
<p>I had about the same scores as you in high school with a little bit of a higher high school GPA (maybe a 3.4-3.5ish), but I did manage a 3.5 at Brown when I was there for a semester (even though my cum GPA at Tulane is a 2.61). I got in as a transfer last year - but probably because I had Brown professors write my recommendations and was real buddy-buddy with the dean. I also guess I really showed that I could handle the workload there even though my GPA says I really can't at Tulane :-P
I ended up staying at Tulane (money issue) but I still have the letter, so I can always say: "Yeah, I got in."</p>
<p>But anyway, go for it, it's a crapshoot with admissions and you never know what'll happen unless you apply.</p>
<p>EDIT: Oh, and I had a pretty good EC that probably helped - collegiate track and field.</p>
<p>The great thing about transferring is that you can really redeem yourself with your college record. The way I view it is that the hs record can help you, but unless it's terrible (which yours isn't), it can't hurt you that much if you've shown a turn around.</p>
<p>Just don't be too sure you're gonna get a 3.9-4.0. College is tough. The plus side is that you don't need that to get in! (I had a 3.64 first semester and got in as a transfer)</p>