Wanting to transfer, but I need some help!

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Massachusetts - Amherst
1

Hey everyone!

I am applying for transfer to the Sport Management in Isenberg for the spring 2017 semester.

But, my problem is that I currently hold a 2.7 GPA, and I am also a OOS transfer.

I am taking a class or two this summer, so it should go up.

However, I have a bunch of EC’s that fit the sport management bill, and I believe that it would help.

  • I run a well know hockey blog that has been mentioned on Yahoo! Sports 4 times (and counting!)
  • I worked for the marketing department of a minor league hockey team this past season, and was also the youngest one on the team (19y/o)
  • I also attended the selective UMass Summer pre-college for Sport Management, which was a program where I learned about the different aspects of the Sport field, and got to listen to different lectures from the different professors and faculty of Isenberg. I also developed better public speaking and leadership skills through this program.

Why is my GPA so low?

  • My dad's health had a decline in the middle of my first year in college. His health declined to the point we were worried about cancer/death, This caused me to take time to take care of him, and also drive him multiple places, like work and Doctor's appointments. My dad is a former US service member for 22 years, and seeing this was awful for me, and caused a decline in my grades and time. I considered myself depressed during this time in my life. During this hard time, I still managed to work 2 jobs and take care of my family. I haven't failed a class, I have 2 C's (in philosophy and microecon), and the rest are B's.

Why is UMass important to me?

  • UMass has a superior program for me, and I want to be able to get the best education at the best school, so I can be able to provide for both of my parents. I don't want my father's health to get any worse, and I want to help him get better.

I will be using the Yellow Ribbon Program and GI Bill during my time at UMass.

Do I have a good chance at UMass? It’s my dream school, as I love Amherst, and I also have family up there to help me get adjusted to the life up there.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, I really want to get out of my CC.

2

Pulling no punches that is a very low GPA for the Sports Management program. I think your best bet is to call and speak to the Undergraduate director about your chances, what you would have to do if not directly admitted, etc. My son was admitted to Umass but not directly into the SM program as a Freshman. He called and spoke with people and made sure they knew of his interest throughout his Freshman year (he also met the 3.5+ GPA in the required courses). You might have to spend extra time in Umass creating the same goodwill meaning an extra semester or two and as an OOS (we are too) that might become costly. Call and be frank with them-it will either work or not and then at least you can set your sights on Amherst or move on to another great SM program. Good luck.