Transfer options

<p>Okay so here is the deal. I was homeschooled in highschool, got my GED with very good scores. I have not taken ACT's or SAT's. I didn't like tests but have now gotten over that in the last few years. I have been going to a very good Community college. I have 3.54 GPA, and 30 something credits, Im not sure how many will transfer though. I want to transfer in the next year or so. Neither of my parents went to college, I haven't the slightest idea what schools I stand a chance at, or what I need to do to up my chance (other than bring up my GPA) I would like to go to medical school. I am a URM( 60% white 30% black and 10% everything else). I am 21 years old. I have only gone to school part time for the last 3 years because I also have to work to pay for school. So a school with REALY good finacial aid is very important. In fact that is the only way that I can move out of state. I was thinking about schools on the east coast, but any suggestions would be great. I currently live in the midwest region. Please tell if there are any good schools that I actually have a chance at, or suggestion on what to do to help improve my chances. I just need a place to start. Thanks so much.
Prue</p>

<p>I just checked and I actually have 41 credits. Two full years is considered 60 right? Really I am very lost, any imput, advice, or suggestions would be great. Thanks.</p>

<p>If you explain your situation to the admissions people, you have a shot at some good universities. Boston University would be a pretty good match apart from the fact that I hear their financial aid is awful. I would suggest looking at Collegeboard.com and entering in your info, like GPA, along with the need for good financial aid. It'll bring up a lotta schools.</p>

<p>If I took the SAT's or ACT's and got good marks would it be possible to get into Boston University? Does anyone know what there finacial aid is like?</p>

<p>their financial aid, from what i hear, is not very good...</p>

<p>Any more thoughts on this one? Please?</p>

<p>Thanks for the advice. I will check out that site. I'm very creatful</p>

<p>Prue - You can get a lot of help on this board, either here on the Transfer Forum and/or on the Parent Forum. First, though, as a "place to start," I suggest that you focus first on what type of school you would like to attend, before getting into what your chances would be. Do you want a small or large school? An urban or rural school? A liberal or conservative campus or don't care? A school big on sports or not.... frats/sororities or not... etc. etc. As a 21-year old, you might prefer a large university where there is more diversity in age, but maybe not.</p>

<p>Once you describe the type of school you would like, then it will be easier for us to suggest schools you might have a good chance at. And, certainly, knowing your ACT/SAT scores will help in evaluating your chances. Like you, I am not a big fan of standardized tests, but they are - unfortunately - a key barometer in gauging chances. </p>

<p>At your cc, is there a good guidance office? I would think someone there could be a very good resource to help you in your search and in evaluating chances. </p>

<p>Since cost is an important factor, is your state U of interest?</p>

<p>Post more info here on your wants and needs in a school and we can see if we can help you build a good list. As I mentioned above, the Parent Forum may be a good place to post once you have refined your question and criteria a bit.</p>

<p>As to how to improve your chances, continuing your good academic record is important, as you say. I would suggest that having strong professor recommendations is also quite important. Do you have two professors already from whom you can expect top recs? If not, then building relationships with a couple of teachers would be very important. I'm not actually sure how important EC's are for transfer - I think it varies by the school. But that would be another thing to consider.</p>

<p>Finally, as to financial aid, I think it's important to determine if your parents financial status or just yours will be used in determining your need. If you don't already know the answer, I suggest calling the Financial Aid office of one of the schools you might consider for transfer. They will be able to guide you on this. Once you find out, go to one of the online EFC calculators to get a good idea of what your financial aid will be (from the colleges' point of view). This will help us suggest which schools might be good for you from the aid aspect.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>

<p>look at rice...they are great w/ financial aid</p>

<p>Thanks for the suggestions. I will work on making list of things that I want from a school. Really I don't think I care if it is a big school or small school. I make friends of all ages pretty well. In fact my best friend is six years younger than me. However I will think about it and see if there are any other things I want in a school.</p>

<p>I thought about Rice, but it seems like such a reach. Would I have a chance with my GPA of 3.54. I suspect suspect it will raise to 3.6 something by the end of the spring semester, but still. Isn't that a really hard school to get into. I was also looking at Syracuse University. They have a dietetic program that I am interested in, but again I believe it is a very difficult school to get into. Correct me if I am wrong, please.
Thanks everyone</p>

<p>I think Syracuse's transfer rate is in the 60s. You should have a good chance.</p>

<p>Best of luck :)</p>

<p>What major are you interested in. I would mention SDSU since it is a public school which tends to keep cost down. Also it is in a big city so it will help you make job connections if you don't mind moving away. Also I am fairly certain you would get in. As for the UC's due to the fact you are out of state it would be very hard.</p>