Transferring from a top 10 LAC (chancing/help/advice)

Transfer Students
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<p>So this is a tricky situation and I am giving myself up to the College Confidential gods because I need help. </p>

<p>I am currently a freshman and I had a difficult first semester at a top 10 LAC and pulled straight Cs in four decently hard classes (mostly intros, but some reputable for being weeder classes). I was definitely showing improvement this semester, but was forced to resign due to personal reasons. At this point I have submitted three applications and am submitting two more today, but am terrified of the outcome.</p>

<p>For the sake of chancing, if that's even really applicable, I graduated in the top 10% of a highly competitive high school having taken 11 APs by graduation. The rest of my courses, with the exception of two that I had no choice but to take as standard, were all honors. I never got a C in high school, and I also never got more than about 5 hours of sleep a night. I got a 2180 SAT, 33 ACT, and 780 & 740 in two SAT subject tests. I got into about half of the colleges I applied to last year, pretty much all of which were quite competitive (30% acceptance or less) and ended up in a school with a 14% acceptance rate. I am contending with a slew of mental health issues (MDD, anxiety, ADHD) all of which have been discussed in an evaluation from my counselor. I have two solid recommendations from two highly respected professors, both of which I developed a personal relationship with over the course of the past year. I also have two recommendations from high school teachers who originally wrote me recommendations and then edited them for the sake of backup recommendations in case. In the past I have demonstrated myself as a strong writer and hope that I can showcase that in my essays this time around. </p>

<p>I am sure that I would like to continue being in a small, private liberal arts college/university (under 3,000 students or so) and I know that my performance last semester is not truly indicative of my potential (then again I am at an all-time confidence low so who can really say anymore). I am hoping I have not shot myself in the foot but I feel as though I have, so any help and advice would be really appreciated.</p>

<p>Side note, I do realize that it would most likely be beneficial to either go to community college or wait until next year and apply as a freshman, but I have a somewhat unstable family life at home and am pretty desperate to move on ASAP. </p>

<p>Thus far have applied/am applying to: Colgate University, Wesleyan University, Vassar College, Colorado College, Whitman College, Occidental College, University of Richmond, University of the Redlands, Carleton College, Eckerd College, Lewis & Clark College
I am also considering: Emerson College, Champlain College, Dickinson College, Westminster College (Utah), Union College, Rollins College, Macalester College, Marist College, Lafayette University, Lawrence University, Beloit College, Flagler College</p>

<p>If anyone has any suggestions of more colleges or which colleges you think can/should immediately be eliminated, that would also be really helpful.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance and sorry about the long read! I'm just really desperate at this point. Also I would like to apologize for how vague some of the information is but I'm afraid of being too specific in case anyone I know happens to see this.</p>

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<p>Oh also just a side note I did at least get very involved during that first semester and did research in a lab, was part of a music group and a club sport, was an active member in a few other groups that met on a weekly basis, and also did community service. I’m hoping that will also bolster my chances.</p>

<p>Also forgot a couple of other details: I graduated high school with a 4.9 W and a 3.7 UW (had a rocky freshman and sophomore year, pulling more Bs than As and then improved junior and senior year). Also I’m a minority student (but not a first generation, both parents have PhDs)</p>

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<p>The definition of who must apply as a transfer applicant varies between schools. It ranges from taking 1 post-HS class to completing less than a year of full-time post-HS college when you matriculate at the new school, and anywhere in between. You need to check each college website and read their policy.</p>

<p>I guess my major concern after reading your post is that you’re having issues that resulted in a poor first semester and dropping out second semester, yet you’re anxious to transfer somewhere else with no mention of doing something about your personal affairs to assure that this doesn’t just continue at another school. It seems like addressing the root of the problems is more important than switching schools, particularly since you don’t mention any concerns with your current school. Are you taking a leave of absence? Can to return next year?</p>

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<p>The personal affairs are a continuous work in progress, and will continue to be addressed/hopefully improved. I just didn’t fit well into the school because my first college search was rather narrow and ranking-focused as opposed to matching what I truly wanted in a school. While academically I loved the size and environment, socially and otherwise it wasn’t the right fit for me and I really wasn’t happy. I also definitely needed time to myself to recuperate after high school which I didn’t take and am taking now. I could re-apply to the school, but I don’t see myself getting back in with those grades.</p>

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<p>If you have MDD, anxiety and ADHD, it is very important for you to think about what support and structures you need in place to do well emotionally, academically and socially and identify the schools that meet these needs. In your transfer application, youwill need to explain what you have learned from your first college and why you will succeed at the transfer school. If you can do that well, you will get in somewhere. Best wishes.</p>

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<p>Thank you! That’s reassuring to hear.</p>