Transferring from UGA?

Hey guys,

A little about me: I am a sophomore at UGA with 52 credit hours (Chemistry and Biochemical Engineering double major). The school I really wanted to go to was Georgia Tech. I had good stats from high school, 2050 SAT, 31 ACT, 3.8 GPA with 12 APs and plenty of involvement and leadership in clubs, sports, and music. This being said, I was deferred, wait listed, and placed on the extended wait list for freshman admission. UGA was my safety school and I ended up coming here instead. My problem is that I have gotten a D in calculus 2 (due to problems at home and having to spend a lot of time with my family), which I retook during summer and earned an A-. I’ve only gotten 2 other Bs in college, a B in Chemistry 2 and a B in Computer Science, out of 38 credit hours taken here.

This being said, I am very unhappy with UGA and want to transfer elsewhere. I am freaking out about my future and I don’t think UGA is the place for me. I had applied to Georgia Tech for Fall transfer admission and was denied in June. I reapplied for Spring admission this semester, but am also very worried that I won’t be able to get in.

My question is, what are some well ranked institutions (Engineering/Science wise) that will replace a retaken course when looking at transfer applications? This D in calculus 2 completely tanks my GPA to a 3.47, when it should be close to a 3.8 otherwise, especially since I did retake the course, earning an A-. I feel like this significantly hurts my chances of admission into any well ranked institution and even graduate school if I remain at UGA.

Any feedback would be well appreciated and thanks in advance for the help!

Just to get an idea:

List of taken courses:
Physics 1 + lab: A
English 3: A-
Calculus 1: A-
Calculus 2: D (retaken for an A-)
Computer Science: B
Chemistry 1 + lab: A
Chemistry 2 + lab: B
Elemental Psychology: A
FYOS Elective: A
Music History: A

Courses I am currently taking:
Linear Algebra
Multivariable Calculus
Physics 2 + lab
Communications

Did you ask GT why you were denied? They can explain why and if you can do anything about it (take additional classes, etc.).

Also, different majors may have different requirements. For example, it may be easier to be accepted as a chemistry transfer student, than as a Biochemical engineer. At Tech, taking some of the “recommended” classes would also strengthen your chances (like the linear algebra and Physics 2 classes you are taking now)…

With that being said, many colleges will look at all classes attempted when determining GPA. You may have to live with that D. For some very competitive majors, they may expect a B or better on first attempts (including Ws) of coursework.

Outside of Georgia, we have several schools with solid engineering programs, but as a transfer student you can’t expect much in merit aid.

I can only assume that I was denied from Georgia Tech due to having only 44 credit hours while the average was 64 and the average GPA was 3.6 for 2015. Overall, my grades have been decent except for this D. I did try to set up an appointment and meet with my admission’s counselor recently but was not able to due to the fact that this time of the year is a busy time for them.

I’ve looked into the requirements and recommended classes, I have fulfilled all of the required classes and am currently fulfilling the recommended courses for transferring into my major at Georgia Tech.

I only asked because I recently found out that all of the UC colleges completely replace the grade. I’m not worried about financial aid as much before being potentially accepted as I’d probably work that out with my parents afterwards.

What does UGA consider your GPA? What the UCs do is irrelevant for you. You’ve only given us HS info. How much can your family afford (for OOS options)? You’ll just work finances out afterward? SMH.

UGA considers my GPA a 3.47.

It’s slightly higher for the Georgia Tech transfer as they don’t do the plus/minus system.

That is relevant for me somewhat, in case I choose to apply to transfer there (they will disregard the D on an application and only look at the A- in my case), I was just wondering if any of the other “top” schools do that as well.

My family can comfortably pay ~ 30k to 35k a year for my education, otherwise I would be looking at loans (basically, we can afford some OOS/Private schools). That is the drawback, and it would be worth it in certain cases for certain schools, not so much for others.

Hi, I am in the same boat as you… Im a mechanical engineering student at UGA who wants nothing more than to transfer to Tech. I too am suffering a bad grade in Calc II (C+) however I have maintained all A’s through the rest of my maths and physics since that terrible first semester. I am really hoping Tech does not let this keep us from being accepted.
I am currently applying with a 3.75 with 67 credit hours.

I think your current class schedule definitely shows them that you have picked it up since that bad grade and youre doing much better now.

Goodluck!!