<p>I was wondering about my chances for a transfer acceptance from west point at the end of this semester (i'm a sophomore). my stats are below:</p>
<p>-4.4 sr yr GPA
-1320 SAT
-6's and 7's on all IB tests
-captain of the crew team
-way to many community service hours to list
-eagle scout
-numerous leadership positions in high school
-warehouse manager at an appliance store during high school
-3.1 GPA from west point
-over 55 credits completed at the end of last semester
-double Int'l Rel and Spanish major, with a minor in Nuclear Engineering
-played intramurals every year here
-many club activities
-2 years of active military experience</p>
<p>i decided that this is not the school for me, i have started app's to UVA, w&m, and VaTech. With excellent recc's do i have a chance? Thanks alot.</p>
<p>your GPA is lower, but clearly you have a very strong high school record, and currently attend a very difficult institution (academically and outside of the classroom). IMO you should have a really good chance.</p>
<p>I'm still a little unsure do to my low GPA, but I guess it doesn't hurt to give it a shot. How important are the essays that they ask for? I figured they would carry a hefty weight, especially for transfers. Any hints on topics that they like...do they like a good pat on the back, or do they want to see me go straight honesty?</p>
<p>Geoffa, I'd say do the best you can on the essays so that your personality comes through. I attended an admissions info session, and the rep said "take a risk" with the essays, "entertain us." He remarked that they read too many formula/structured essays. Also, have you considered applying to other state uni's? There are many fine schools out there who would be impressed that you at least gave the military academy a shot. Good luck!</p>
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"take a risk" with the essays, "entertain us."
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<p>God, I couldn't agree more. Put yourself in the place of someone who reads hundreds or thousands of essays. They're *dying *to be entertained. Which is why I even recommend integrating some humor into your piece, if you can pull it off. If you sound like a lively, engaged person who even has a sense of humor, it can really help.</p>
<p>Agreed. And in your "why UVA", go beyond "oh its such a good school". Make specifics, such as certain programs or certain classes you want. I would think you would want more of a humerous approach to the last one (heck, i'm using a cartoon). But yes, make yourself stand out.</p>
<p>I've heard the "take a risk" advice before, but I was talking with the Dean of the G-Town Law school and he told me a story about a student sending a shoe in with his application. The first line of his essay was, "Now that I have my foot in the door...". He didn't get accepted because it was too "out there". Maybe this was just a little too corny. I guess higher risk leads to higher yields, as well.</p>
<p>I wouldnt ever send in a shoe haha thats just sort of silly. However, I think if you were to throw in some extra passion, a humerous story about one of your WP experiences, and add some cleverness to your essays, I dont think its a bad idea. I know im definently trying to add in a bit of my "wit", as it lets you stand out from all the other 3.0s. =)</p>
<p>While I think the "shoe" was highly amusing, the message is somewhat vague and quite dangerous for an "applicant." It could be interpreted as arrogant and put off an admissions officer. Even though they said "foot in the door..." some might interpret as "shoe-in." A plastic foot would've been better.</p>
<p>Take a risk, but be certain your voice comes through and not something or someone else's.</p>
<p>BTW, while your GPA is very important, don't put too much weight on it. Especially if you're enrolled in what they perceive to be difficult school/program. Grade deflation and all that... I've seen 3.1s and 2.8s get in, so it's quite subjective.</p>
<p>Virginia also has high regard for those who perform service to one's nation.</p>
<p>Good luck! (Though, I doubt you'll need it...)</p>
<p>Agreed.
Direct quote from Assoc. Dean Paxton Marshall: "I don't know the average gpa for SEAS transfers, but it wouldn't mean too much anyway because of the great variation in the quality of colleges attended. If you have a 3.0 or better from VT I think you will be very competitive, especially if you have good grades in math and science courses."
Now, I know that this is just for SEAS, but in reality, it applies to all of the schools. How can a 3.1 from WP compare to a 3.1 from a CC? Obviously WP has more demands to it, much like a successful engineering school like VT. It just goes to show that GPA in admissions isn't everything when it comes to transfers. Its a bit different in HS since there really arn't that many different levels of high schools. Yes there's the elite, but on general, most are the same. However, with transfers, you have students coming anywhere from big name 4-yr schools to smaller 2-yr junior colleges.
geoffa - I think you have an excellent shot. I'm visiting this weekend and hopefully will be able to give you a bit more insight from there. I'm meeting with P. Marshall (see above) definently on Friday, and i'm hoping I can maybe squeeze in a visit with Dean Roberts for overall transfer info.
Good luck!</p>
<p>hey, thanks for the support guys. I need it. I've finished everything, and the app's are ready to go out...except for the damn essays. I figure if i sit down for a couple hours one evening, and focus purely on the essays, i'll figure something out. </p>
<p>BTW Tech is a great school. both wp and tech are competitive in their respective areas. no beef. hell, i'm applying there, too.</p>
<p>Haha no definently NOT! Even though Tech's engineering is most likely better than WP, I think WP overall is a much tougher enviorment/school to not only get into, but establishes a higher caliber when transferring out. I was just saying that for him going into CAS, his status at WP will definently put him above lower schools, even with a lower GPA, much like my attendence at VT will put me above lower schools, even though I have a lower GPA. One of those comparison things, forget what they're called when you say like a flower is to a plant like a dog is to an animal. Thats what I was trying to say.</p>
<p>geoffa- trust me, start the essays NOW...more stuff will come to you later on, and its much easier =) i've already turned mine in, but i'd be happy to help you
Also, are you a first or second year? I know a second year, wondering if you know him as well</p>