Transfer Worries

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Massachusetts - Amherst
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<p>I was not too nervous about my application to transfer to UMASS but after talking to a transfer advisor, now I am. I completed my freshman year last year at Syracuse where I received a 3.45 cumulative GPA and was about to start my sophomore year in their business school (the Whitman School of Management) this fall. Unfortunately, many issues arose around my return to school--mostly financial--and I was unable to return to SU. I had thought about transferring to UMASS Amherst the previous fall (and specifically the Isenberg School of Management) so I decided to apply for transfer in July to relieve some financial stress.</p>

<p>Now I am attending a local community college taking 15 credits and interning at a top wealth management firm as a junior analysis intern. My grades thus far have been great, and the deadline for UMASS has come and past (Oct 15). </p>

<p>I did well in high school and was accepted to UMASS after my senior year but decided on 'Cuse instead. My SAT scores were an 1890/2400, and I had some solid AP scores--no 5's, but two 4's and one 3. I was involved in many extracurriculars in both high school and college, and participated in many philanthropy events through my sorority at Syracuse.</p>

<p>Last week, a UMASS transfer advisor came to my community college to talk to students about transferring, and I was very discouraged after speaking with her. Basically, she told me that I had a slim chance of acceptance because I was not applying under the MassTransfer guidelines (where a student gains their associates degree from a community college and is guaranteed acceptance to UMASS Amherst). When I told her I was aiming for Isenberg, she all but laughed. I understand that she was just trying to be realistic, but now I am very nervous. I knew getting into Isenberg would be difficult because of its high level of competitiveness, so I thought if I didn't get into that I would start taking math classes as I aim to me a mathematics minor. She told me this was not a wise move.</p>

<p>I sent in my internship info right before the deadline, and this morning I sent an evaluation from my supervisor and my resume just to make myself seem a little more competitive. What I really would like to know is when transfers who DON'T go through MassTransfer typically hear from UMASS for spring transfer, if anyone knows? And if anyone knows if my chances are lowered that steeply because of not completing the MassTransfer program? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.</p>

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<p>[Student</a> Body and Admissions Statistics | UMass Amherst Undergraduate Admissions](<a href=“http://www.umass.edu/admissions/facts-and-figures/student-body-and-admissions-statistics]Student”>http://www.umass.edu/admissions/facts-and-figures/student-body-and-admissions-statistics)</p>

<p>Seems to me you have a very good chance of being accepted, regardless of what that advisor said - especially since you were accepted before. Certainly a large percentage of transfer students are not coming from MassTransfer. </p>

<p>Isenberg is a different story, it is tough to switch in even if you are already at UMass. Not impossible though.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>It was just really a shock to hear that MassTransfer students were given such a huge preference. I guess it makes sense and it provides extra incentives for community college graduates, but I had no idea of the disadvantage it put me in.</p>

<p>Thank you for the stats–they are very reassuring. I am hoping that my internship acts as the final push for acceptance into Isenberg.</p>

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<p>Plus, if you graduate from CC with a 3.0 or higher, you get free tuition ($1714/year).</p>

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<p>Which is a really great deal for those who graduate! Had I not already done a year at SU I would have definitely looked into that. Now it’s a little late though, at least for what I’d like to do</p>