Transfer Chances?

hurryCANE · 03-08-2009, 04:43 PM

I fell in love with Duke after three years with the TIP program. Unfortunately that didn't translate into motivation for good grades in HS. Now, with three completed semesters of college, I would like to leave the nest (I attend school nearby my home) and Duke is my number 1 choice!

Unfortunately... old habits die hard. I've earned straight A's through these three semesters, but for one B, and.... a C- in a class with a C in the corresponding lab! I spent the semester that I got the C- taking my grandma back and forth to medical appointments and the overall stress that generated showed in my grades. I didn't realize that to drop the class would have looked much better than having two C's on my record. So, that considered, here are my stats:

High School: Top 20%
College GPA: 3.45
SAT scores: 1370/2070 (720 CR 650 MTH 700 WR)
AP Scores: - US History, Comp, Lit: 4
- Statistics: 3
Now, I honestly don't have time to write of all my extracurriculars right now, but they are fairly typical of the average freshman applicant to Duke. Several of my teachers have said that my writing is the best they've seen at my school (this isn't to brag... I don't get a rise out of impressing people on the other end of computer screens hundreds of miles away that I will never meet). As such, my recommendations are excellent and so are my essays (I hope...).
My question is: are my GPA and SAT scores so subpar that I shouldn't even bother applying? I have to finish the application by the 16th. Either way, I think I'll send my application in, but I don't want to spend an outrageous amount of time if my chances are zilch. At the same time, the things that will help me out -- my essays -- will be improved with more time spent.

Blah, blah, blah.

Have a good day.

hurryCANE · 03-23-2009, 09:18 PM

And I am Hispanic and Billingual. Any help?

Also, I read an article that said that admissions counselors look for kids that come from schools that are very different from the school they are applying to. Based on my name, you can guess where I currently attend. Do you think that will help my chances? It is a solid school with a very different vibe than Duke's. Anyway...

CROSSING MY FINGERS!!!

Estragon · 03-24-2009, 05:13 PM

Duke accepts maybe 15-20 transfer students each year. By the looks of it, your GPA and SAT scores are simply not up to Duke's standards (this is, of course, no reflection of you as a person). Realistically, your chances are not good. Should you still send your application? Absolutely. But make sure that if you do, you put your full effort into it - otherwise it would be a pointless exercise.

hurryCANE · 03-25-2009, 10:37 PM

Thanks for letting me know. I thought it was more like 50-75 acceptances. I also thought they would be looking more for students that contribute something really unique to the school than for the perfect-on-paper variety. Why transfer if you never made a mistake? I wrote about the part on the "what we are looking for" section on the website where it says that Duke seeks "students who make intelligent and interesting mistakes, students who understand that only in risking failure do we become stronger, better, and smarter." Oh, well. Even then, my fingers were tightly crossed.

Now's the point where I should say, "guess I'll just aim to go for grad school." Problem is, I plan to go to dental school.

Thanks for your help. Do you think I'd have a chance at Vandy or Emory?

bfg · 05-17-2009, 09:34 PM

You have a chance anywhere depending on the circumstances. I agree with the post above that the SAT score should be higher. My S attends and he had a 2340, with that said they accept a wide range of scores for fit and you can't count yourself out without making an effort- speak with an admissions counselor to get the best information. Give it a shot. What the worst thing they can say No?