Visiting Semester, or Just Flat Out Transfer?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Barnard College
1

<p>I’ve been considering applying to the Spring in New York program because they don’t look at high school records, which would increase my chances considerably. I applied to transfer for Fall '07 but didn’t make it. </p>

<p>Anyways, I’ve been having second thoughts about the Spring program. Lack of financial aid would make it tough for me to afford it right now, but I’m afraid if I don’t apply now, I’ll never have a chance at going to Barnard, no matter how long. I’m a first semester sophomore right now. </p>

<p>I’m currently at a tier 3 state university that has not been very challenging so far and I want a more academically driven environment. I’m going into the Honors program this fall and I have a few ECs. I’m taking 7 classes this semester (homework is my life), most of which are advanced. I can maintain a 3.7 - 3.8 GPA. I’m thinking about taking the ACTs since my SATs were just horrible. I didn’t prepare for them at all and I got a 1660 on the new scale. Would I have a chance at transferring with these stats for next fall, or would it be better to just apply as a visitor and hope for the best?</p>

2

<p>I'm interested in the Spring in New York program too. If the admit rate for it is anything like Columbia's Visiting Students program (roughly half of the applicants are admitted) then you should have a good shot. Also, about how many ECs do you have? Is there one in particular that you are passionate about and can convey to Barnard? Personally, I don't have a lot of ECs either.</p>

<p>The financial aid is also a problem for me. Have you looked into any grants for study abroad, domestic included? Perhaps you can apply to Spring in NYC to see what happens and then you can decide whether or not you want to transfer later. Best of Luck!</p>