Hi!
I’m a sophomore Computer Science major studying at A&M, and an international student from India. I’ve put a lot of thought into this, and have decided I want to pursue my dream school Columbia.
For some background, I lived in India my whole life and came here last year. Back in high school I didn’t apply to any Ivy league schools because I didn’t feel I stood a chance. But i’ve had opportunities to do well and excel in my classes, and that’s given me a lot of confidence in my abilities. I want to give myself a second chance to go for the best.
Some stats-
GPA(freshman year) - 3.87/4.00
SAT - 2200
I’m just wondering if anyone has advice on how to apply. I’m worried that my reason for transferring may not seem valid to the admissions team. Also, since A&M is such a large university, I don’t know my advisor and some of my freshman year profs very well. I don’t know how to approach them for letters.
Add to that the fact that I won’t be able to transfer without decent financial aid.
What do you think my chances are? Any advice on how to prepare well would be appreciated.
Thanks
What’s you’re reason for transferring, is there any demonstrable academic need? Wanting to go to a dream school or wanting a more challenging and stimulating education are usually not considered viable reasons for transferring. Unless you can prove that you have a truly urgent and important need to transfer (like maybe your field of study isn’t offered at your current institution) then most colleges will not seriously consider your application, regardless of qualifications.
I respectfully disagree with Ashray’s advice. Expressed candidly, your reason for transferring should not dismay admissions readers. However, you say “I won’t be able to transfer without decent financial aid.” Transfers to CC/SEAS now can get financial aid, but not as much as regular admits get. This makes sense, because otherwise people would try to transfer in for the better financial aid. “Decent” financial aid for you might be just loans. In my time, transfers didn’t get housing either, but that policy may have changed, with more spaces available. You might want to check this out yourself before coming to NYC because leasing an apt. on a budget in Manhattan is not for the faint of heart.