I am currently enrolled as a freshman at a fairly unknown college. The environment is…interesting to say the least. Compared to my peers I feel more driven and curious, mostly because I actually love the material we’re studying. Being surrounded by people who aren’t passionate about what they do is a bit painful. Due to this I’m considering transferring to a college where students will be enthralled by what they’re learning and have a sense of determination to not only learn, but make a difference in the world with the knowledge they gain. Personally, I want to tackle metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes using novel methods. Hopefully one day in the future I’ll be able to form a biotech startup based around these methods, or bring my ideas to an already developed biotech company. I spend almost everyday reading about how these businesses run, what types of pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals are made, how certain processes in the body are affected by these drugs etc.
Anyways, I feel as though other like minded individuals will be more accessible at top colleges in the country (though I may be wrong). I never even considered applying to top schools as a senior in high school, but my mentality has changed quickly. Hence, I’m looking to transfer into one of these schools as a junior. I have a little over a year to get everything together, so I was wondering if this would be possible for someone with my stats and ECs:
HS GPA: 4.01 (Weighted)
Current College GPA: 3.9
SAT: 1850
ACT: I’m planning on taking this test during sophomore year or summer of freshman year to up my chances.
College ECs -
Currently attempting an independent study on diabetes under the guidance of a professor
Member of a performing arts club (Guitarist)
Another reason for wishing to transfer is the fact that the labs at my college aren’t the best. The research being conducted here is also not directly of interest to me (my independent study is a research idea I proposed slightly connected to the work of the professor, he was kind enough to allow me to submit an abstract and see where we can go from there). Colleges with research that really interests me are top tier schools that have very low transfer acceptance rates, the likes of Harvard, Yale, Columbia, Brown etc. I’m also limiting my search to the east coast. I also have a very heavy interest in Philosophy (something my school does not offer), so these schools look even more appealing to me.
So what can I do over the next year that will allow me to enter a college with such a community and good scientific resources?
Rather than looking at school names (and being driven by the brand and the prestige), why not look at where the leaders in your field(s) of interest are doing research relevant to your goals? A successful transfer application (like a successful grad school application) is more likely to be built around your interest in a particular field and how that specific school, that curriculum, and those faculty is going to further your interests. Ideally, you can point to the research that Prof. X and Prof Y are doing that are relevant, their publications in the leading academic journals which you’ve read, and you want the opportunity to learn from and study with them.
I’m not looking at these schools specifically because of their brand names, there are researchers at each of the schools I mentioned who have fascinating projects. Being able to learn from them and contribute to their projects would be an amazing experience, as the subject matter really interests me. There is a researcher at Brown specifically that stands out to me. His research could have many applications throughout the medical field, so it really appeals to me.
Another large reason for transferring is to gain a sense of community, my currenct college really lacks in that aspect (although I do have a good amount of friends). Many other people are also transferring for this reason. Personaly, I feel as though there’s no real cohesion, and finding other people with a vision for the future is difficult. I believe this mentality is more prevalent at colleges that are more selective, as they look for people who have a sense of direction. I may be completely wrong though, so if there are other schools where this mentality is prevalent please let me know!
“Personally, I want to tackle metabolic diseases like obesity and diabetes using novel methods.”
This means that you will need a Ph.D. in a biological science. To get into a PhD program, you need a solid undergrad degree in a biological science or in chemistry, and you can get that just about anywhere. Summer internships at places that are doing the kinds of research you are interested in would be helpful for PhD admissions, but not strictly necessary. Sit down with your professors, and find out where they have connections. It’s more than likely that they have pals in industry, at the NIH, and at other places where work you are interested in is being conducted.
Take a good look at the junior and senior year students in your current department. Are they as apathetic as you believe the first year students are? It is possible that only seriously committed students remain in the department after the first year or two, and that your junior and senior year classes will be composed entirely of students like yourself.
If we’re talking Top 100, it’s true. But not everywhere.
The way OP describes his/her college, it sounds as if it is a commuter campus and a low-selectivity directional college. Most professors will be on a 4-4 and will not have the time nor the resources to conduct much, if any, research. The university may thus be ill-equiped to provide decent research experience. The pace and depth of the classes will be adjusted to students with minimal preparation, little opportunity for and/or personal autonomy in, personal learning. (I recently read a warning that students should expect 1 hour of preparation for each hour in class, on such a college’s website - when 2H30-3h would be par-for-the course at a good, ie., top 100,college/LAC.)
OP: do talk with your professors - where do they have connections? This would be helpful if you can do research summer after freshman year (this will matter MUCh more than a high ACT, although if you retake the ACT, it should be in December or February so that you have it on time to apply for a transfer. What was your score last year?)
What State do you live in?
If it’s not California or Pennsylvania, then you don’t need to wait for 2 years/60 credits till you transfer. You could apply in February to transfer for Fall 2017. I would recommend you do this in any case for your State Flagship and its Honors College.
Is your college a Top 100 national university/LAC, or is it a directional/something else?
The schools also don’t say that they WILL look at SAT/ACT taken by a college student. And if the school does not require the ACT they will not consider it.
I live in New Jersey but I’m not a citizen yet. My family and I move to the states 5 years ago and have yet to get our green card, though it is likely to happen within the next 2 years as my dad’s boss is sponsoring him. Anyways, this makes financial aid a difficulty unless I get into a top top school. Only a select few school meet full need based aid for internationals. Financial aid is a large factor for my family and I.
I’m looking at a number of places for research, but the problem is most SURF and other programs require citizenship or permanent residency. But I have found a few I’ll be applying to during winter break. I’m also looking at a potential internship at a well known biopharmaceutical company over the summer, though I’m not sure whether to consider research more heavily. Anyways, my professors do have connections at these places and have been very willing to help me out.
The college I attend is just as you described, a directional college that’s not on the US News & World Report list.
The schools do require the submission of test scores though, so why would they choose to dismiss them? The standardized testing portion of this process is probably my weakest point. Would improving it not help?
Contact the school and ask. Let us know what they say. We’d love to have some verified info on how schools feel about college students retaking HS tests.