So as we all may know, Princeton has been the black sheep in the transfer realm for a while now, due to their policy of not admitting students coming from other institutions. This policy has been in place for almost two decades now (with the last transfer student being admitted in 1990).
Although this may not be “new” news, the university has stated that the Fall of 2018 will be open season for prospective transfer students, in hopes of attracting economically diverse students from community colleges, veterans(and other non-traditionals), and talented athletes.
According to the article, the first transfer class might have around 125 admits!
I speak as a student in a community college who’s been through the motions of transferring and is currently awaiting on one college. I’ll be finishing my AA in the Fall of 2018, and so far have made great progress in my studies and a meaningful impact on my community. Princeton will be on my list when that time comes. For all of those who find themselves in a similar spot, I ask:
What can we expect for the first round of transfer admissions to Princeton?
It might be the case where its transfer class size will be similar to that of other intensely selective colleges. Anywhere from 15-30, on a good day :))
Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhh man. I actually emailed Princeton a while back concerning this matter, and they emailed me back.
Here’s a screenshot: https://i.snag.gy/SO8gIi.jpg
Common App is introducing a grand spanking new transfer application, and according to their blog post a couple months back,
“The Common App for Transfer will be available in early 2018 for an early adopter group of 10 to 12 Common App member colleges and universities, with a full release set for August 2018 - available to all members of The Common Application. The Common App will be convening a Transfer Advisory Committee in early June 2017.”
I would be utterly unsurprised if Princeton was part of this “early adopter group”, with Princeton being one of these Common App member colleges, and them rolling out transfer admissions in 2018 at the earliest, the stars align quite perfectly.
While I’m not applying this cycle (as @AGoodFloridian knows), I’m ecstatic to see what happens on this first round of admissions.
@GnocchiB You’re an awesome person. <3 Thanks for that!
So it’s starting to become concrete, which is great news! It gives me hope that even if I don’t receive any good news this round, as long as I keep up the good work at my community college (or do even better!) I may be considered. The timing is pretty great too.
So the “preference” (maybe not the right word) will be given to more nontraditionals then? Rising non-traditional sophomores from 4 years colleges and community college graduates (who, in theory, would join the class as juniors.)
12 is a small group, but we were expecting that right? I look forward to that day!
CommonApp came back on, freshly updated, and guess which university is now available to choose?
Sugar!
Ooooo, honey honey :))
Princeton Transfer deadline 3/1/18. 2 rec letters required. They haven’t come up with any writing supplements yet, but there will be 4 (3 optional, 1 required). ACT/SAT will be required of all applicants.
And note the emphasis on transfer students from non-traditional backgrounds (apparently similar to Stanford).
Meaning, a traditional college student who want to transfer to Princeton for a “prestige upgrade” does not look like what Princeton is looking to admit.
@ucbalumnus One up to this. Though with other Ivy Leagues, it isn’t too uncommon to see “lateral” transfer from other Ivies or similarly ranked universities. I visited Princeton a few weeks ago ( @TransferStalker , it won, btw. Hands down the most beautiful college campus I’ve been too.) and I’ll tell you this… During the informational session at least THREE people asked questions about transfer admissions (me included <3 ).
The admissions officers were clear in stating that since this was a new thing for them they didn’t have too much information to give. However, they did mention that their primary focus in admitting transfers is to admit students who would ordinarily not have the opportunity as a freshman. They also said to expect updates on their transfer page about requirements sometime in October.
I predict the bulk of the applicants applying as transfer students will be from highly ranked colleges. As for a figure… I wouldn’t be surprised if over a thousand applicants applied, resulting in a Harvard type situation where the transfer acceptance rate is below 1%.
However, Princeton’s statements (including what you heard) suggest an approach similar to that of Stanford. In Stanford’s announcements welcoming the new frosh and transfer students, it tends to emphasize the non-traditional backgrounds of many of its transfer students (e.g. military veterans), often noting the number who come from community colleges (often more than half of the few dozen transfers).
Statistics aside, IMO Stanford’s approach to admissions (though it doesn’t benefit me at all) is quite sensible. With the insane freshman retention rate, and extremely competitive applicant pool, it’s only rational to hand over transfer spots to top students WITH extraordinary circumstances (at least compared to your plain-Jane transfer applicant).
The “Princeton Transfer Thread” is going to be interesting :))
Princeton has just completed its set of questions on the CommonApp, essentially giving the green light to hopeful transfers!
It’s a decent-sized application. There’s a prompt-based essay, EC/work experience, Summer activities, one-line responses, and a future plans essay.
I’m really excited to see who will be applying this year!
@Dolemite
I’ve been trying to simulate an MIT-esque experience with “drinking from a fire hose” by taking the most classes possible(7, about 20 credits) at my community college while also working, the latter being a necessity.
Is it smart move? ehhh, not so much, but my GPA hasn’t moved despite all of it, so I’m handling it well to some extent.
You’re right in that it won’t be smooth sailing once I’m there, so with my given resources I’m trying my best to condition myself to the academically rigorous environment I’d find at an institution like Princeton.
