Transfer to UVA's School of Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Virginia
1

Hello! I am currently a physics and chemistry double major math minor at James Madison University. I love JMU, it’s a place that I definitely call home however I really wish to study mechanical engineering, which JMU does not offer, so I am looking at transferring to UVA for the fall semester of 2016. I am nervous out of my mind as to whether or not I have what it takes to make, could someone please help me out and let me know what my chances are??

My Information:
Current GPA: 3.836 after 3 semesters
Current Major: physics and chemistry double major
Current Minor: math
SAT scores:
–Math: 750
–Writing: 650
–Reading: 630
SAT subject tests:
–Math 2: 790
–Physics: 800
–Chemistry: 800
High School GPA: ~3.5

Extra Curricular:
Eagle Scout
Held various leadership roles in my boy scout troop
Attended/Ran various leadership camps/programs
Founding member and officer of a Venture crew
300+ volunteer hours at a variety of places
Member of NSCS
Did research in thin films over the past summer and semester at JMU in which our research team collaborated with Professors Hopkins’s research group in the department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. I attended the Materials Research Society Conference at which I presented two posters on the research I conducted. I also have 4 conference papers published on the research
For the Spring semester of 2016 I am studying abroad at Oxford University in which I am studying material science, fluid dynamics, and programming
I was a first year orientation guide for JMU’s freshman orientation week
In high school I started our school’s chess club as well as served as an officer in said club and additionally in the Latin club

2

Based on your GPA and strong research background at JMU, I’d say you have a good chance of getting in. Getting a rec from the UVA professor would be helpful. Your reason for transferring is well stated.
My concern is that by transferring for 3rd year, you will have to make up a number of Engineering requirements that were satisfied by UVA engineering students in years 1 and 2. Be sure to check with the UVA Mechanical Engineering Dept to see which of your JMU courses will count toward the Mechanical Engineering degree. Then consider if you are willing to do an extra semester if that is what it takes to get the ME degree (not saying you will have to, but be prepared :slight_smile:
Good luck to you, you sound like a great student!

3

The most important factor is that you have taken the proper courses to allow for a transfer and that you grades are strong. A rec letter from someone at UVA is not necessary, but obviously won’t hurt you.