transferring to an elite LAC - feasible?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hey there. So, I go to a top 20 university, but I'm looking to transfer to Pomona or Reed. It's not that I'm not happy at my current school, it's just that it doesn't have a very strong program for my intended major (linguistics). </p>

<p>I was accepted at Reed and waitlisted at Pomona last year, so I don't know if this hurts me or helps me. But is it typical for students to transfer from universities to LACs? It seems to me that more often than not it's the other way around. Regardless, I'm nervous about it because everyone says it's more difficult to switch to a smaller school. I know Pomona only accepts 10% of transfer applicants. Sheesh.</p>

<p>My GPA is 3.79, and I was valedictorian in high school. I do intense theatre in both (I went to a performing arts magnet HS) and I'm a part of a peer counseling group at my school that meets at least 6 hours/week. My SAT was 1520/2260.
Is it feasible for me to transfer to these schools? I have a really strong reason for wanting these two specifically, so they're the only two I'm applying to.</p>

<p>anyone have any input?</p>

2

<p>Reed will most likely take you, as they offered to take you once, and you did well in your freshman year. You will also be competitive at Pomona.</p>

3

<p>Transferring to a LAC can be done. That’s what I did. In my experience the one thing that changes the rules of the transfer process (versus the freshmen process) is whether one needs financial aid or not.</p>

<p>I think you are a strong candidate at both schools. In my opinion essays are very very important to LACs.</p>

4

<p>Write a fab essay and you should be good to go.</p>

5

<p>thanks guys.
in your opinion, what defines a good essay? I know I have to fully convey my reasons for transferring, as well as what I can contribute to the school, and not badmouth my current school. are essays supposed to have character and voice (like freshman apps) or just be straightforward and clear? I’m having difficulty finding a happy medium between the two.</p>

6

<p>bump… any advice?</p>

7

<p>You look good for both. Reed will be easier–they have more turnover, but you’re a good candidate for Pomona too.</p>

8

<p>A good essay is the essay that does two things. First, it forces the admissions officer to read the essay instead of playing WoW or Half-Life. Second, after reading your essay, she should be compelled to call you up and ask you out for a date.</p>

<p>A good essay is like “Avatar” - you are willing to sit in a chair for three hours and to look how James Cameron argues that the war in Iraq is bad.</p>

9

<p>I don’t think you’ll have a problem with the essay part; you already have examples of good Pomona and Reed essays! ;)</p>