Transferring out of Swarthmore

Colleges and Universities A-Z Swarthmore College
1

Hi all,

I’m curious about the possibility of transferring to a larger university from Swarthmore. I am a current sophomore. I am curious about:

  1. GPA. Swarthmore is notorious for grade deflation. My GPA is not terrible (mid threes) but not amazing. Will this limit my desirability, and if so, to what extent? I have not yet declared a major, but I anticipate that my major-specific GPA will be higher than than my overall GPA. Will this factor in at all, given that I am a sophomore (and will not be declaring a major until the end of this year)?
  2. Accomplishments. What will admissions officers be looking for when they consider me (besides my transcript, essay(s), and supplements?) I will have been in school for three semesters––besides my grades, what are they looking for me to have accomplished? I have not been particularly involved in extra-curriculars because I have been so busy. I feel like most of my major accomplishments (writing awards, musical competition wins, great SAT scores, etc.) have been from my high school years. Will this hurt me? Am I allowed to list such things?
  3. Is there any special way I should handle applying to transfer to schools that waitlisted/rejected me when I applied in high school?
  4. Any other tips/suggestions?
2

A very, strong recommendation from my sons favorite professor allowed him jump from a good school to prestige school. A high GPA was also necessary.

But why change? Swat’s small, but close, network of alums is great for networking and landing internships. There are things to dislike at any college. The tales I could tell!

3

By 3 semesters in, Id assume you know whether Swat is for you or not. I’d make sure you apply to some schools that didn’t reject/waitlist you the first time around. Schools that DID accept you are a better shot, of course. Apply to some schools that were matches or low matches with your HS stats, too.

4

same…

5

@NYGrad what did you choose to do?