<p>I'm looking to transfer for Fall 2010. I'm a California resident in a community college here so already applied to some UC's. I'm hoping to go to Berkeley but if not accepted there I would rather go out of state. I would like to study at a school with highly stimulating academics and a good name. I am uncertain, however, which colleges are more "realistic" prospects and which are less so.</p>
<p>Poli Sci/International Relations major</p>
<p>GPA: 3.3 - 60 units - upward trajectory. A's B's and a couple C's first 2 semesters and straight A's last semester
Studied abroad at Uni in the Middle East 1st year
great work experiences & extracurriculars pertaining to major
Essays and statements are all very well done. </p>
<p>Here are some schools I am looking at: Northwestern, U of Chicago, Brandeis, CUNY schools, Carnegie Mellon, </p>
<p>I know the GPA is gonna set me back but considering my info what schools would you recommend I apply to based on a desire for high quality academics and maybe some brand value? I don't have any sort of college guidance and have mostly chosen schools based on reputations, wikipedia, and school websites. I would greatly appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>Have you looked at GWU? Their program in internatioanl relations is extremely well known. I think you need to look at schools that are going to suit you as a person rather than just brand name. There are a ton of schools out there with really challenging academics in your major, but are not the typical ivy league school.</p>
<p>I considered GW for a time. Most GW students whom I spoke with seemed to relate negative experiences… they say it’s very much a brand name deal with a not altogether welcoming student body and holier-than-thou professors…does that jive with your knowledge of the place?</p>
<p>Could be asking a little much but I’m hoping for a brand and a personal fit…if I was only after a fit I’d be off to St Johns College in a second, but getting jobs or into top grad programs afterward is always nice;)</p>
<p>I applied to UCLA but I hate Los Angeles…vehemently so. If I were to get in, however, I’d have to consider it for its strong academics. Right now I’m hoping all else works out</p>
<p>k, well I am not very knowledgeable when it comes to GWU. I have heard a lot of things, but I know a lot more about the UC system and “brand” name schools.</p>
<p>With your gpa, it is going to be hard to get into these top notch schools unless you have some stellar essays and crazy ec’s. Even then it is a crapshoot.</p>
<p>I am applyin for transfer as well and actually hate Berkeley…vehemently so (to quote you haha) so I didn’t apply there. Here is my list and maybe it will help you a bit</p>
<p>Cornell, Columbia, NYU, Georgetown, GWU, Tufts, Northwestern, Vanderbilt (very high transfer rate), Brown, Macalester, and Washington University St. Louis</p>
<p>If you are set on transferring I would find some safety schools that you know you will get into. If you’re at a california cc then you have a shot at berk…</p>
<p>For NYU, I wouldn’t apply if you REALLY want to major in International Relations. IR is an Honors major here, and you typically apply in your sophomore year- I don’t know if transfer are eligible to apply to it. That being said, our Politics program is pretty good.</p>
<p>missamericanpie- first off, thanks again for the editing. Second, i am starting to hear that the pol sci program there is actually overrated and rather weak. Would you know anything about this? If so, what’re your thoughts</p>