Transfer Curious/Help??

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hello,</p>

<p>I am interested in transfering to a different university after one year. I have talked to some university representatives from Yale and Georgetown, however, I would really like to distinguish myself confidently in the admissions process. I really dont want to get "sweaty-palms," to borrow the colloquialism, like I did in my senior year. </p>

<p>Anyone have suggestions or inside tips? I really appreciate the help :) Thanks!! </p>

<p>"Reach" Universities:
Georgetown
Brown
UPenn
Stanford</p>

<p>"Match/Safety" Universities:
John Hopkins
University of Southern California
University of Virginia
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill</p>

2

<p>Though the above four schools may be 'reach schools', your chances and, thus, their status can change if you provide your stats.</p>

3

<p>Nspeds,</p>

<p>Thanks for the speedy response:) Well...I plan to get between a 3.8-4.0 at PSU. I enjoy helping my community through service, I am very active in debate and speech and a plethora of other extracurricular activities. I think I will retake my SAT's just to secure a better standing. I am an African American female, but I dont think that contributes much...(and it shouldn't) I am new to the whole 'posting' ordeal so I hope this is sufficient...Let me know what you think :)</p>

4

<p>What is your High School GPA? How many hours do you plan to accumulate? In what courses do you plan to enroll? What extra-curricular activities do you have and in what activities do you forsee yourself joining?</p>

5

<p>High School GPA:3.5
Community Service Hours (Accumulated during High School): 500+
and created a community service program at my school.
( mostly serving in soup kitchens, adopt/sponsor a "family" program, enviormental and animal awareness activities and "Community Youth Builders"). I took AP courses and did well too.</p>

<p>Some Extra curriculars I did in High School:
Model United Nations
Speech/Debate
Political Studies
Various Community Service Clubs
Golf
Violin 8+ years
Student Council/ Student Leadership
*<em>American Legion Girls State & Girls Nation
( competition/program selects girls to meet our nations highest officials, i.e: president, vice president, etc)
*</em>Foyle young Poets Society
(member of a poetry society in Britain, winner in an international poetry competition--judged by moniza alvi and mario petrucci as well as UK poet laureate andrew motion-- prominent poets in europe.)</p>

<p>College:
My major
Political Science, minor in Philosophy</p>

<p>Well I see myself continuing in the activities I have done and perhaps trying new things. I definately want to continue serving my community too. I will be in the honors program at my college and there are many opportunities available. Any advice?</p>

6

<p>I would say that you have a good shot (depending on your new SAT score) at UPenn, Brown, and Georgetown. Raise your score, obtain good recommendations, and write good essays and you should do fine.</p>

7

<p>I'm not so sure that it's advisable for ANYONE to consider JohnS Hopkins a safety! Or UNC-CH/UVA out of state for that matter..</p>

8

<p>Nikki422</p>

<p>Well I am not sure if this helps but, both of my aunts attended john hopkins university (and are proud alumni) and 3 of my cousins attended UNC, one graduated at the top of her class for law school. Each relative really enjoyed their experience at the university. I was hoping that with their knowledge and connection, I could better distinguish myself as an applicant and atleast give it a shot. But thanks for the inside tip--. Are there any particular reasons why I shouldn't consider these schools-I really need all the help I can get. Thanks :)</p>

9

<p>
[quote]
both of my aunts attended john hopkins university (and are proud alumni) and 3 of my cousins attended UNC, one graduated at the top of her class for law school.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>I do not think cousins and aunts are applicable.</p>

10

<p>I am not hoping that my relatives will get me in...I am hoping that with there knowledge I can have a better understanding regarding the admissions process I am not asking for special favors...</p>

11

<p>I don't think there's any reson why you shouldn't consider these schools, no, but I would by no means consider any of them, especially JHU a safety. And by the way, It's JohnS Hopkins. I'm from Baltimore, I worked in the hospital for three years..I know it just sounds anal, but it's a touchy subject to us! :)</p>

12

<p>Thanks Nikki422:) Yeah, dont worry--I should know. My mom is from baltimore--grew up there her whole life--and believe me, she has gotten on me for the whole "words/pronunciation" stuff..lol :) I am just a west coast kid..trying to make it...:) And I am not really considering JHU as a safety school it is more of a "match" school--a place where i think i will fit in best.-- which was a part of the category in my first post... I am still researching other schools too.</p>

13

<p>I also have a few quick questions about transfering:</p>

<p>1) what is an ideal SAT score to aim for?
2) Should I let my counselors/professors know that i am transfering?
3) When should I ask for reccomendation letters?
4) Should a transfer "essay" posses different qualities and components than that of a personal essay or undergraduate admissions essay?</p>

<p>Thanks everyone. If anyone wants to post answers, I would greatly appreciate it :)</p>

14

<ol>
<li> SAT's really aren't THAT important for transfers. Your admittance will be based off of college performance, primarily. The more college credits you have, the less impact high school grades and SAT scores will have.</li>
<li> I honestly don't know the answer to this question. It's no big deal at a community or junior college, but a 4 year school may be different. Again, I don't know.</li>
<li> Many reccomendations ask for the professor to submit the grade you rec'd in the class, so clearly, after the end of the semester, plus this gives you a little more time to get to know the professor one on one. For my Georgetown app this year, the deadline was 3/1. I asked my profs. and dean for rec's in the middle of january, I asked if they would be willing, prior to actually giving them the forms. I then completed my section of the form, and gave it to them, with an addressed and stamped envelope, that they just had to put in the mailbox. Some schools now request that students send in all their rec's/application matierals/transcripts in one large envelope, just with rec's in a sealed signed envelope, and sealed transcripts. This option ensures that the admissions dept. recieves the whole application and that nothing is missing. It's pretty much all on you, so you don't have to worry if your professor sent in your letter or not.</li>
<li> When transferring from a four year university, it's important to express why you are transferring, ie what does where you are transferring to offer that your current institution does not. what can you achieve with the help of the new university? How will it better prepare you to meet your educational goals? NSpeds is better at this topic than I, as I am not transferring from a four year school.</li>
</ol>

<p>Hope this was somewhat helpful.
Nikki</p>

15

<p>
[quote]
I also have a few quick questions about transfering:</p>

<p>1) what is an ideal SAT score to aim for?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>1400+</p>

<p>
[quote]
2) Should I let my counselors/professors know that i am transfering?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Only do so when you require a recommendation or action on their part. Otherwise, exercise caution in disclosing your intentions, as it could bring unintended and, perhaps, negative consequences. Show enthusiasm and joy for learning. Take advantage of your professors' officer hours and become acquainted with them. Do not do so just for a recommendation. Professors are generally interesting people!</p>

<p>
[quote]
3) When should I ask for reccomendation letters?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>If you are going to request a recommendation from a professor you will be working under in the coming year, then wait until your final grades are released. The longer your professor knows you, the more credibility he/she has. </p>

<p>
[quote]
Should a transfer "essay" posses different qualities and components than that of a personal essay or undergraduate admissions essay?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>It depends on the essay question (of course). I can send you my Georgetown essays if you wish, though I am not particularly impressed with them.</p>

<p>Generally, one should try to explicate, lucidly, why he/she wants to transfer, how the school is congruent with your life/goals, and what you can offer the school (intellectually).</p>

<p>For transferring, track everything. When I was preparing, I had already bought an excess of envelopes (both large and small), stamps, and labeled them with the relevant school's address. I made specific piles for each school and subdivided them according to the destination of the envelope/form. I also systemetized the application process by appending labels for each document I was to send (ie. Activity Sheet: 1a, Essay: 1b, Essay Alternative: 2a, and so forth), and created a checklist for every school. Each checklist had its own requirements (ie. Only submit 1a, 2b, and 3a).</p>

<p>Of course, you do not have to do this much work. Only do it if you have OCD (like me).</p>

16

<p>hmm...I'd switch up Georgetown and JHU in your reach/match lists.....it'd be a tad harder gettin in to JHU....</p>

<p>well...depending on the program you're persuing ofcourse</p>

17

<p>Thanks guys for your great help! Wow..I like the checklist system. I did something similar my senior year. It really helps to have a system!</p>