Hello,
I’m a Freshman at the University of Pittsburgh. Just like the title states, what would a good course of action to prepare for an application in the fall of next year look like? I’ve read the Columbia transfer page (http://tinyurl.com/pbh9ne6) multiple times, but I still have some questions. For example, should I retake my SAT? I got a 1900 when I took it in the fall my senior year of high school, I know that this is way lower than than Median SAT for accepted freshman students, and I’m sure I could get a 22-2300 if I retook it.
Additionally, I’m unsure of whether or not I should schedule specific classes to fullfill some prerequisites. Does Columbia have a list of classes that they prefer that you take to compare against other applicants?
Also, if you’re an accepted transfer student from another institution, what was the process like for you, and what did your application look like?
Thanks for your time.
I’m sure you know that the most important aspect for a successful transfer is to do very well at your current undergrad school. 1) You must get mostly A’s. 2) Getting a good LOR is also important. (the AdCom’s do realize that most freshman students may not have direct contact with the professors, especially in the Science classes; and you may need to get LOR from TA’s, etc, but do the best you can with this regard.) 3) you must try to be involved in clubs and activities at the current school.
I believe most people would advise against taking the SAT again. First of all, there’s no guarantee that one would get significantly higher scores. But more importantly, the SAT pales in comparison to your Undergrad grades and activities at this point. Preparing for the SAT again will likely take your focus off the most important thing – see above.
Thank you for responding!
Yeah, getting a 3.8 GPA at the very minimum has been my number one goal this year. I’ve been far more studious than I ever was in high school, and should finish up this semester with A’s in all of my classes.
Regarding activities, are their any in particular that Columbia likes more than others? One of my friends in high school got into the Air Force academy because she was very into doing volunteer work for example. I’m also very much into volunteering and climbing. Should I try and pursue those activities as deeply as I can? I’ll try to find more to do, and I’ll try and get an internship or help out with some research over the summer as well. I
No, I wouldn’t say there’s any particular activity that Columbia favors. They would wish to see evidence of depth and passion for any activity, of course – a rather familiar refrain. Coming out of HS, it’s fairly common for people to list a long list of activities, including sports, which don’t often translate to college very well. But now that you’re in college, your current activities would translate more directly. So become very involved in one or two activities/clubs that adds to the life of the campus. Research and “volunteering” (but volunteering for what?) are fine and good, but not necessarily adding to the life of the campus community. I would always suggest joining a campus club, or some such, not only for the application but for your own sake.
I got in as a transfer myself. I start in January. Don’t know exactly what did it (my GPA is 4.0, but so are others). I focused on my community service, since that is a big part of my life. They like to see that we are not self-focused, but want to do good in the world. So the volunteering should be for things that don’t only benefit you (i.e.- homeless, tutoring, counseling, projects that give man hours of labor to better the schools’ view, etc. As opposed to ALL fun or party groups.) So my next focus was sticking out of the pack with a really personal essay. If the essays are mechanical, it doesn’t matter how much there is about us. But if it can shed light on who you are, it can be the difference.
Best wishes and hope to see you soon!
Hi OP, I’m also a freshman, I’m at a Big Ten school, considering transfer into Columbia. My HS record is not the best, 3.2 GPA with a 2180 SAT, and outstanding ECs.
Why Columbia? For what major? I think if you pull a 4.0 for the semester, and are still w/straight As by the time of your midyear report next semester, Columbia (or any Ivy) will see you’re clearly capable. But UPittsburgh is technically a good school in itself; what is your compelling argument for Columbia, what is your unique selling point?