Transfer Chances: midtier LAC to elite LAC/Ivies

Transfer Students
1

<p>So to start out, my main reasons for transferring are academic challenge and student apathy. I'm not really being challenged at my current college, which is a mid-range LAC (although we are ranked the #1 up-and-coming LAC by USNWR.) I'm applying for transfer to Swarthmore, Pomona, Brown, and Columbia. My only concern is that I'm coming from this mid-range LAC, which might discount my performance thus far. I also have 3 classes under 10 people next semesters - one with a teacher I've had in history, one in philosophy, and one with an active US ambassador - which should help with recommendations.</p>

<p>My main reasons for not going to any of the three T50 LACs I was accepted to (Bard, Rhodes & Skidmore) were financial.</p>

<p>I am fine with continuing my education at this college, (hence no matches/safeties) but if accepted, I would definitely transfer. I believe I would not have a substantially better education or opportunities at the majority of colleges, and as such I have chosen these four as ideals.</p>

<p>High School GPA: 2.9UW/3.6W
College GPA: 4.0 (1 100-level, 3 200s)
ACT: 34
Classes next semester: 1 200-level, 2 300s, 2 400s
Majors: Philosophy, History
College extras: Ultimate, radio, choir, chief of diversity project and student survey group, co-captain of improv comedy, speech team, and acapella</p>

2

<p>…or should I wait another semester?</p>

3

<p>I would wait another semester. Your HS GPA is really low and I don’t think one semester of college is really enough to overturn it. You need to show the adcoms that you’ve got what it takes if you’re aiming for colleges at that level. A 4 class courseload is small anyway, I think you’ll have a much better chance with 2 or 3 semesters worth of work under your belt.</p>