<p>Hi,
I am currently a freshman at a private 4-year liberal arts college that was an alternate choice because I didn't get into Wellesley. Wellesley was definitely one of my top choices, and looking back, it's where I really want to be. So, I'm probably going to apply as a transfer student and am looking for advice. I was a decent student in high school, good SAT scores (1970 overall), earned credit for the one AP course I took (Composition), and was very active in clubs while working a part time job. I plan on doing very well this year in college and hope to be a good candidate for transfer admission. Does anyone have any advice about getting in, or my chances for acceptance?
Thanks so much!</p>
<p>Speaking as someone who transferred to Wellesley after my freshman year, I would strongly advise you not to make up your mind just yet. I was happy in my decision to transfer, but it was a decision I made after a full semester at my first school, when I was really sure that the university I was attending was not the right fit for me. Transferring is very difficult, because you miss the window of opportunity when a lot of freshmen find their friend groups and acclimate to the school.</p>
<p>I’d recommend not thinking about transferring until your second semester. Give your current school a shot–join clubs, meet people on your floor, try your hardest in all your classes, etc. Adjusting to college is really difficult, and it takes most people some time to warm up to their new environment. Getting involved will help you gain a more accurate picture of how you fit in at your college. If winter break rolls around and you’re really unhappy, that’s when you should start the transfer process. (And, as a bonus, all your involvement from the first semester will look good on your transfer application.)</p>
<p>Thanks so much!
Does anyone else have any information/suggestions?</p>
<p>I don’t have personal experience with considering a transfer, but all the guidance I’ve seen on cc over the years indicate that it is near impossible to be accepted as a transfer to a school where you have already applied and been rejected as a freshman candidate. I suggest broadening your search to institutions that did not reject you the first time around.</p>
<p>I never applied to Wellesley when I was a senior in high school, but I don’t think I could have gotten in then. I did get accepted as a transfer student. </p>
<p>I agree with the above sentiments to do your best to embrace your current college. If things haven’t changed since I applied as a transfer student the common app essay question is “why transfer” and the Wellesley supplement question is “why Wellesley?” You will need something more substantive than “Wellesley is my dream” to convince the Board of Admissions. I will say that not everyone in my transfer group had “perfect stats” but we all had a good story. In other words, the transfer essay is extremely important. </p>
<p>(You may also have more success applying as a junior transfer, because you will have more of a college record).</p>