<p>Thanks nspeds....good to get other persepectives, truly. You're absolutely right that things have a way of working out. Its just nice to know that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Its just nice to know that I'm always working 'upward', if that makes sense.</p>
<p>Of course there are really bad reasons or really good reasons that matter, I said that much in my last post.</p>
<p>Also, I dont see any compelling evidence in that thread. I think alot of people have that personal value but it is not actually in admission, as I said in my intiual post.</p>
<p>The quote about a compelling story is what I would expect because unique indiviuals can add to a unversity, once again I already have already stated that.</p>
<p>We are talking about the normal freshman applicants (except this time who are appying transfer) with differing degrees of reasons. Some because of presitige, which I think you would say is low quality, others with academic needs that cannot be met currently, a high quality reason. I am arguing that reasons dont really matter because the majority of what these people write will not play a role, and is definely not as importent as the other factors for admission.</p>
<p>If colleges distinquish between reasons they must benefit for doing so, better test grades get smarter students, race and location gets diversity, odd life stories adds to diversity, recs, essays and a few reasons can show positive values and drive. But what do the majority of reasons add, nothing.</p>
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I am arguing that reasons dont really matter because the majority of what these people write will not play a role, and is definely not as importent as the other factors for admission.
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<p>What are your grounds for saying this?</p>
<p>
[quote]
If colleges distinquish between reasons they must benefit for doing so, better test grades get smarter students, race and location gets diversity, odd life stories adds to diversity, recs, essays and a few reasons can show positive values and drive. But what do the majority of reasons add, nothing.
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<p>Once again, I am not arguing that reasons are the sole factor. There are plenty of other mitigating factors involved. I would even go so far as to argue that SAT and GPA get your foot in the door, but reasons, ECs, essays, and recommendations get you in the room. In my belief, reasons are third in importance to the GPA and SAT. </p>
<p>This belief is not unsubstantiated, it has been forwarded to me by a counselor in IvyWise, numerous professors as well as adcoms. They want to know why you want to study at that specific school. If it did not matter, then Yale would not dedicate an essay to it, Rice would not spefically ask such a question on their application, and Georgetown would also not dedicate an essay to how their institution will help support one's ambitions.</p>
<p>_42,</p>
<p>These adcoms are looking at a very competative, but small applicant pools. I would guess that there is not a huge discrepency between the credentials for the transfer applicants to these top schools. Almost everyone is going to have decent SAT scores, above a 3.5, and good recommendations. The distinguishing characterstic thus seems to me, whether or not your interest in the school is based on laudable reasons. If a student has not taken the time to propound such reasons, he or she has not done his or her job as an applicant. If one's reasons are generic and not peculiar to the school, one's interest in the school does not appear to be that ardent - if an applicant doesn't take the time to research something as consequential as their college career, what do they take the time to research? I am not contending that one's reason for transferring is the sole determinent factor in the process, but rather that it is in someway a litmus test. I think above all, these committees want to take not only the best kids, but the kids they think will fit the best in their classes. This is your oppurtunity to argue that school X is right for you, and that your decision to apply is an informed decision. The admissions statistics for transfers are also not heavily published, so there is not an overwhelming movement to take the people with the highest scores so their schools will do well in some stupid rankings.</p>
<p>I agree with Calipharius, although I find his word usage to be a bit obscure. To stand out from the other well qualified transfer applicants, I think you have to demonstrate that you really know what you want to major in (since you're already in college) and you need to show why the college you're transferring to is right for you. They also look for students that will add something special to the student body. They want someone who is interesting and involved.</p>
<p>kman1308 -- I agree entirely with your last sentence. But, then, why is it that EC's play no role in admissions? All Yale is going to see is a High School GPA (and transcript/resume), college GPA and reasons...hmmm...</p>
<p>bumpadee bumpadee</p>
<p>I haven't read all your posts but I'm turned off. It sounds like you're wondering, "What kind of ECs can I pursue at CMU, it doesn't matter if I have an interest in them or not, just so they will look good to Yale so I can transfer out". And this from someone who has yet to set foot on a college campus.</p>
<p>Besides that, you are looking at schools with extremely low transfer rates. I think you are setting yourself up for disaster all around. You sound really possessed by this whole thing. For goodness sake, relax.</p>