What are my chances?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Obviously, no one is going to be able to give me any absolutes, but I was wondering whether or not I had a reasonable chance of applying to these institutions (I intend to transfer for Fall '06), or was just wasting my time. I have yet to start college, so I know this isn't a totally acurate representation either, but I'll be attending FAU in the fall (things I can tell you about college - I've been accepted into their honors program (36 students per year), awarded presidential scholarship, currently a member of SGA and I intend to join some other things once school starts).</p>

<p>Schools I'm looking at:
Boston University
American University
George Washington University (I'm aware that this is a reach, at best)
Northeastern University
Catholic University of America
University of Richmond (Same as GW)</p>

<p>High School Stats:
Jupiter High School, Jupiter, Florida
Non-weighted GPA: 3.4
Weighted GPA: 3.8
SAT: 1270 (730 v/ 540 m - plans to retake)
ACT: ---
AP Exams: English Lit - 4; English Comp - 4</p>

<p>Extracurricular Acitivites:
JHS Speech and Debate Team (9, 10, 11, 12) - This is by far my "stand out" EC; Points Chairman (11), President (12), Member of the National Forensic League (Degree of Superior Distinction - 810 pts.), Varsity Letter awarded (12, 11, 10), Ranked 1st all-time point earner for JHS, Debater of the Year, Ranked 1st Overall (10, 11, 12), Qualified for and broke at numerous national tournaments (including states & catnats), etc. Founded the "Summer Classics Series" (debate camp for middle schoolers) and coached a middle school debate team (10, 11, 12), currently a "volunteer coach" for two high school debate teams.</p>

<p>JHS Mock Trial Team (11, 12) - President (12)</p>

<p>JHS Law Club (11, 12 ) - President (12)</p>

<p>Social Studies National Honor Society (11, 12)</p>

<p>If anyone could give me any advice on what I should do this year to help my chances, or give me a perspective on what I need to do to make me a more competative candidate, it would be much appreciated :)</p>

2

<p>Bump - anyone have any constructive input? :)</p>

3

<p>Don't go to Northeastern, or Boston University--those are expensive schools that aren't that great. Not sure what FAU is, but I think you're on the right track to get some good grades and EC's in.. figure out what you want to do, before spending your life savings. I like your extra credits and your score although, not Ivy League quality, is still very strong. (Retake it if possible)</p>

<p>I'm not sure why you call GW a reach and not Brown. But Georgetown would be more of a reach than GW.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the response! I see what you're saying about Northeastern & BU - I think I'd just like to go to a decent school in/near Boston or D.C., and thus far, those have seemed like the best matches to me. I also started looking at Wellesly & I think that if I could bring up my SAT score (I'm aiming to bring up my math to at least 600 - I'm taking them again in October and I plan on taking the ACTs as well) I'd have a better chance at getting into there or other schools that were stronger academically. Do you have reccomendations other than BU & Northeastern in the Boston area that applying to wouldn't be totally ridiculous?</p>

<p>I guess I just have a habbit of underestimating my potential? I never really considered a school like Georgetown to be a possibility, and I thought GW's freshmen profile was a bit intimidating (to me anyway).</p>

5

<p>Hey srcameraon, you just gotta give yourself more credit. I mean, you obviously are talented and smart, it's just that we have to translate our performance into numbers for these universities.</p>

<p>Let' see.. schools in Massachusetts:</p>

<p>Boston College (#40 on new 2006 USN&R Rankings.. the Newton campus doesn't look that great, but the main one is nice) Food is EXCELLENT! Though expensive (i had my friends buy me steak there)</p>

<p>Brandeis University: (#34) Just a drive away. It's predominately Jewish, so you may have some JAPs (Jewish American Princesses), but that's just culture.</p>

<p>Tufts University: rose in rank (27) I'ts easier to get into than Georgetown and offers excellent architecture and medical related studies.</p>

6

<p>^It's not so much that I'm down on myself, I just didn't want to waste time applying to schools & spending money on applications if I didn't think anything would come of it. But I suppose it's worth at least looking into some better colleges.</p>

<p>Also, if it helps, I'm currently a Social Sciences Secondary Education major (I'm sure the exact major I'm in will change because there's a lot of variation between schools and states, but I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do).</p>

7

<p>I think the most important thing for you to focus on right now is getting a very high GPA at FAU (which, for someone with your stats, should not be that difficult if you work at it) and possibly start working on essays/applications. Make a few good connections with your favorite professors too, because you will need recommendations.</p>

<p>I think you should apply to Georgetown if you like the school. If you get a high GPA in college, I think you have a good shot (providing essays and recommendations are strong also). You seem to be very active in leadership, something I believe Georgetown values a lot. Another possible school that is easier to get into than Georgetown is University of Maryland. From the research I've done it seems to be a great school and, while not right in DC, it is not that far outside.</p>

<p>Don't be afraid to try for some reach schools beyond GWU. Like other posters mentioned, try Tufts or Boston College and definately Georgetown. Your stats are definately not bad, and if you do well this next year, I don't see any reason why you would not have a good chance to get into any of these schools.</p>

8

<p>^Thanks so much for your input! </p>

<p>"I think the most important thing for you to focus on right now is getting a very high GPA at FAU (which, for someone with your stats, should not be that difficult if you work at it) and possibly start working on essays/applications. Make a few good connections with your favorite professors too, because you will need recommendations."</p>

<p>I've actually already started working on the common aapp and the supplements that are available so far, it's good to know that not everyone things I'm being completely premature. I'm hoping that because I'm in such a small program (three of my classes are under 18 students) I'll be able to spend a lot more one-on-one time with my professors, and they'll be more familiar with my work, etc. (I've also been told to visit during office hours).</p>

<p>I suppose I really should apply to some reach schools and not let it intimidate me because, after all, they're categorized as reach schools for a reason. Thanks so much :)</p>

9

<p>Bump :)</p>

<p>Other than applying to more reach schools, does anyone have any opinnions about the schools I've listed above?</p>

<p>I also started looking at Wellesly. While it's a bit more selective academically, do you think the potential to get in is greater because it's an all girls school?</p>

10

<p>Bump - just wondering is there was any perspective on my chances of getting into the schools I've listed?</p>

<p>BTW - this is completely unrelated, but I had my first day of classes, and in spite of being in the honors program, they're all a joke, and I finally feel comfortable saying I have legitimate reason to want to transfer. If this is the best they can offer me academically, I'm sure that I'd be much happier elsewhere.</p>

11

<p>Anyone? Also - does anyone have any reccomendations for similar schools in those areas? I love the idea of living in an urban/metropolitan area, but I also think I'd do better in a smaller school.</p>

12

<p>i would definitely give FAU a chance, though and approach it with an open mind.</p>