UMASS Amherst Transfer Worries

<p>I was not too nervous about my application to transfer to UMASS but after talking to a transfer advisor, now I am. I completed my freshman year last year at Syracuse where I received a 3.45 cumulative GPA and was about to start my sophomore year in their business school (the Whitman School of Management) this fall. Unfortunately, many issues arose around my return to school--mostly financial--and I was unable to return to SU. I had thought about transferring to UMASS Amherst the previous fall (and specifically the Isenberg School of Management) so I decided to apply for transfer in July to relieve some financial stress.</p>

<p>Now I am attending a local community college taking 15 credits and interning at a top wealth management firm as a junior analysis intern. My grades thus far have been great, and the deadline for UMASS has come and past (Oct 15). </p>

<p>I did well in high school and was accepted to UMASS after my senior year but decided on 'Cuse instead. My SAT scores were an 1890/2400, and I had some solid AP scores--no 5's, but two 4's and one 3. I was involved in many extracurriculars in both high school and college, and participated in many philanthropy events through my sorority at Syracuse.</p>

<p>Last week, a UMASS transfer advisor came to my community college to talk to students about transferring, and I was very discouraged after speaking with her. Basically, she told me that I had a slim chance of acceptance because I was not applying under the MassTransfer guidelines (where a student gains their associates degree from a community college and is guaranteed acceptance to UMASS Amherst). When I told her I was aiming for Isenberg, she all but laughed. I understand that she was just trying to be realistic, but now I am very nervous. I knew getting into Isenberg would be difficult because of its high level of competitiveness, so I thought if I didn't get into that I would start taking math classes as I aim to me a mathematics minor. She told me this was not a wise move.</p>

<p>I sent in my internship info right before the deadline, and this morning I sent an evaluation from my supervisor and my resume just to make myself seem a little more competitive. What I really would like to know is when transfers who DON'T go through MassTransfer typically hear from UMASS for spring transfer, if anyone knows? And if anyone knows if my chances are lowered that steeply because of not completing the MassTransfer program? Any answers would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>(I also posted this in the UMASS Amherst forum so I apologize if you've read my rambling twice!)</p>

<p>Isenberg is not as competitive as people tout it to be. You’ll be fine (especially if you’re from Mass). And, I wouldn’t worry about your not applying through MassTransfer. You went to a well respected school before and had to leave, and that’s completely understandable. UMass will probably see that.</p>

<p>I am indeed from Massachusetts–this advisor just really freaked me out. I guess she was at my community college representing the MassTransfer program more than the typical transfer application process, but still, I was very unprepared to hear that. The deadline for credentials was October 15, and although I know how short of time has passed, my research shows people who have applied for a traditional transfer (rather than MassTransfer) have heard back around Halloween/early November. This transfer advisor assured me I would not hear back until around Thanksgiving.</p>

<p>I know I am just being anxious–I just am not very happy being home right now and did not even really consider any other options, which was my mistake. Thank you for your insight though! I am hoping that my internship is the final push for me to get into Isenberg, especially because I have been so persistent (and most likely annoying) about it.</p>