Transfer: Retake the ACTs?

<p>I am currently a freshman at a four year college and I am looking to transfer for my sophomore year. NYU is my top choices and I am trying to make my application as competitive as possible.
I was wondering if I should retake my ACTs. I only scored a 27 when I was in high school. Would they accept an ACT score taken during college? Should I retake the test?</p>

<p>NYU discourages retakes, as it would give you an advantage other students did not have. So no, do not retake the ACT and do not take the SAT instead. </p>

<p>If you wait to transfer until your junior year, you do not have to submit the ACT or SAT. Only your HS and college transcripts. I would suggest going this route, as (1) it increases your chances of getting into NYU, as a 27 ACT is below NYU standards. (2) It will save you money to NOT attend NYU for another year, as you will have to pay around $60,000/yr to attend.</p>

<p>I pay $53,000 a year as it is, what difference is $7,000 really going to make?
Don’t you think NYU would want more Sophomores then Juniors? They make more money off of Sophomores then Juniors, as you said $60,000/yr, so taking Sophomores would result in more money for NYU so in that sense I think it’s probably better to apply as an incoming sophomore.</p>

<p>AmandaNH,</p>

<p>How are you doing as a freshman at your college? You will have to shine and show something special as first year, first semester freshman. Meaning good grades first semester, good recommendations (maybe OK to have a very strong one from HS, but definitely something from this year). Also, did you have any strong records or activities inHS besides the weaker ACT? Highlight whatever is special from HS and show a strong academic record, ECs for freshman year, first semester, then you may have a shot. Especially if you can also write a compelling essay and have, say, a professor who knows you and loves your work to support your transfer app. I am not certain of the transfer app deadline but
you are running against the clock in the time you have left to show
your record before the deadline to submit all materials as asophomore
transfer applicant.</p>

<p>If these conditions cited above are missing, then you have a tough shot at transferring into NYU. However, if you are still gung ho about the transfer, you can still apply. It will only cost you the app fee, test reporting fee, time on your part and maybe your self-esteem, should you have a negative outcome. Hope not. GL to you!</p>

<p>Does NYU look at letters of rec for transfers? I don’t think so. They don’t require any letters of rec. for transfers, so I’m not sure if they consider them if they are included.</p>

<p>What’s your HS GPA look like? 3.6+ ? What about your college GPA? 3.6+ as well? You’re going to need a strong academic record (meaning GPAs above 3.6) to offset your ACT score. (Which is why I discouraged applying until junior year, when test scores are no longer considered and only GPAs are considered.)</p>

<p>So far I am doing very well this semester. I am very involved with extra circular activities that pertain to my major. And 1 or two that don’t really pertain to my major but I’m hoping they will make me more well rounded as well as volunteer work. I am also a certified yoga instructor.
Unfortunately my high school GPA was only a 3.65. Which isn’t terrible but I wish I had done better. I did have a significant upward trend from freshman to senior year.
I’ve already started the application which is due April 1st.
I will need one recommendation from someone who has taught me at a college level and I do have someone in mind.</p>

<p>AmandaNH,</p>

<p>If you are being realistic in the evaluation of your current performance and activities, along with a strong college recommendation (make sure you communicate this clearly to the person you have in mind), you may very well have a shot. Stress the upward trend in HS and how that is part of your “maturing” process. Then reinforce that with the fact that your best performance is the latest record in college. I imagine a strong current record and an upward trend may very well allow the NYU Transfer Admissions Committee to be more forgiving of a lower ACT score and “less stellar” overall HS GPA. Though I am thinking you must have pulled yourself up quite significantly to end up with a GPA of 3.65 in an upward trend. So, your record appears better (to me) than someone who did well, say, HS freshman year, and then continued dropping in GPA from that time.</p>

<p>What really counts the most is who you are as a student and a person now. Especially if you have shown improvement grade-wise with each year at HS.</p>

<p>Since you have started and want this transfer, I wish you the best! :)</p>