Transfer Questions Cornell-->Columbia

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi!</p>

<p>Im currently a student at Cornell really wanting to transfer to Columbia. I've read MANY threads on here for advice but I still have a couple questions</p>

<p>1: Should I contact a faculty member in the degree program I am interested in at Columbia? Or would it be considered bothering them because I am not currently a CU student? </p>

<p>2: Next semester I am doing a study in absentia program in my home state because I was offered a research position for the semester there (stemming from an application I sent to do research there last summer). Would this look bad on my application? (that I was not even physically taking courses at Cornell for the full academic year?)</p>

<p>3: I realize this is on a school by school basis, but would my application be reviewed quicker at Columbia the sooner I send it in, or are they not reviewed until after the March 15 deadline?</p>

<p>4: I am having a make-the-most-out-of-high-school-to-get-into-a-good-college book published in a few weeks. Does this merit mentioning on my application?</p>

<p>Lastly, and I realize these things are totally random, but what do you consider my shot at getting in to be? I am attempting to transfer as a sophomore.</p>

<p>HS GPA-4.45 W, 4.0 UW
ACT: 29 Composite (low I know) 31 Superscore (which I was told at an info session last month Columbia DOES superscore now, apparently)
Cornell GPA-Currently unsure, but should be about 3.8</p>

<p>I have fairly general EC's, but I have research fellowship experience, was Valedictorian in H.S., am going on a mission trip to Mexico, and as I mentioned am getting a book published. I realize my ACT numbers might screw me a bit, but I also know Tranfer admissions is a whole different ball game. </p>

<p>Essay-I am hoping my essay will be fairly understandable because Columbia has a program Cornell does not, which is the one I am aiming to transfer into.</p>

<p>Thanks so much for any advice/help you could give me. We're all busy and stressed with our own apps right now so it means alot! I can also answer any questions about Cornell if anyone wants.</p>

2

<p>I would say you have a very good chance. The fact that you are attempting to transfer as a junior, however, does complicate matters slightly. I’m told that it’s best in your situation to outline a plan for how you are going to complete the Core requirements and those of your major in just four semesters. Really, though, I wouldn’t worry too much about the ACT score. I can’t imagine how being a published former valedictorian with a 3.8 GPA at Cornell wouldn’t supersede mediocre standardized testing.</p>

3

<p>Thanks!!!
I would actually be transferring as a sophomore (I realize I was misleading with what I said) and I am trying to at least plan my schedule for next semester out to where it all has some transferability (Stats, foreign langauge, etc).
Are you trying to transfer there too? I think I recognize your un from the Fall 2012 transfers post.</p>

4

<p>Oh no, my b for misreading that. I wouldn’t worry about outlining a plan for your schedule in your essay, then. I would definitely mention your book, and I don’t think the in abstentia research program would reflect poorly upon you. I wouldn’t contact a faculty member though, and I’m pretty sure there’s no real advantage to applying before the deadline. </p>

<p>Yes, I am…well, I’m applying, at any rate. Although this post has honestly made me lose confidence quite a bit. Honestly, you’re intimidating competition.</p>

<p>EDIT: HA, I just realized we had a similar problem with our applications senior year…mine probably would have been rejected anyway, though.</p>

5

<p>Ok, thanks! I wasn’t sure about the deadline thing, I know I haven’t heard of Columbia doing that but wasn’t sure if anyone had different experiences.
I’m REALLY not, trust me haha. My grades this semester are going to be far from impressive (I’m PRAYING for b’s haha) so I am desperately searching for reasons to overcompensate lol. These things are such a shot in the dark anyway, every other applicant is intimidating.</p>

<p>Really? I am glad I’m not the only one!! That issue has made me so afraid of commonapp.</p>

6

<p>Well, I’m not totally sure…you might want to check with someone that’s been through the process. I can’t see any obvious advantage to submitting your app well before the deadline, though. Oh, that makes me feel a bit better - but Cornell has pretty severe grade deflation, right? So they should allow you some leniency in that regard.</p>

<p>Oh no, you’re not the only one at all! My issue was that I didn’t realize if something wasn’t showing up in the preview it would also be truncated in the version the school received…stupid, stupid, stupid. It wasn’t my essays though, just the application data section. Still, I do wonder what would have happened if I’d applied to another school EA and realized the problem in time…it doesn’t matter now, though. The point is that we both have another chance, and however slim it may be, I’m hopeful. :)</p>

7

<p>Oh yeah, Cornell has crazy grade deflation. I’ve been busting my balls and I actually don’t think my GPA will break a 3.2 (mostly B’s) :frowning: oopsy. But oh well, I’m stilly gonna try! lol. I’m hoping they give me a break about it, especially because it’s freshman year, but I guess I’ll see.</p>

<p>Me too :frowning: I remember randomly reading it over about a week after I submitted it and being so disappointed. But hey, you’re right, another chance. I almost wonder if it, in a way, helps your application a little to be applying a second time. It obviously shows you wanna go there haha</p>

8

<p>Well, you have other things that make you stand out, so you never know. I guess that’s why they call it a lottery school…sigh. I honestly think I’d rather go there than win the lottery, how sad is that?</p>

<p>Same here, I was so upset with myself. And that’s what I’m hoping! On the less optimistic side it could just make me look like I have an unhealthy obsession…which is why it’s good to stay positive, lol.</p>