Still Trying- Transfer Advice, if you please, Parents

wyldfae · 10-20-2008, 08:39 PM

I've tried this in the UVA forum and the transfer forum, and no one has given me any replies, so I figured I'd give this one last try and see if the Wise Parents had any information for me for my last try with this topic.
I am currently a freshman tier 1 top 50 NE liberal arts college, but I've been really disappointed by the work. Only one of my classes is interesting and challenging, and everyone wants to get drunk, do drugs, and procrastinate. I don't hate it, there are a lot of things I love about it, the location especially, and the idea behind the school. My coach for my sport is nearby for 4 months of the school year, and I do have one good friend here already.

However, I'm in state for UVA and I wonder if I shouldn't try and transfer. It would be a lot cheaper for me, and I feel like the academics would be more challenging.

So far I have gotten A's on all of my papers, except for one where I got an A+, and a 98% my midterm exam for one of my classes. I had a 3.8 GPA in HS (Unweighted).

My SAT scores are weak though, and I was rejected from UVA the first time around (wasn't my first choice at the time). I scored a CR: 700 M: 480 W: 650 on the SAT.

Originally I hadn't really wanted to stay in Charlottesville, since it is where I grew up, but if I'm getting a better education and it is cheaper, it might be a better plan. There are a lot of things that I liked about my chosen school, but I wonder at which point the bad outweighs the good and visa versa.

Should I try and transfer? Do I even have a chance? Please?

pugmadkate · 10-20-2008, 08:59 PM

Have you spoken with the person who handles transfer admissions at UVA? That would be my first step.

At the school you are now, are there groups or clubs you could try out? In my experience, that can be a good way to meet others who want to spend their social time as you do. As much as it can feel like everyone is doing it, I guarentee there are other students at your school who are not down with the get drunk/do drugs attitude.

Best of luck to you.

jmmom · 10-20-2008, 09:17 PM

I don't think anyone can tell you whether the bad outweighs the good. I transferred myself a million years ago, my son transferred and I have spent a lot of time on the Transfer Forum here.

Each case is different and I can tell you that a lot of students who feel the desire or need to transfer at this point in the year (October) have changed their minds by the end of first term.

I would recommend that you completely throw yourself into your current school - both academically (as you currently are doing) and in terms of activities where you will increase the chances of meeting students with your interests and values.

If UVA's transfer app deadline is like most schools' (ca. March of 2009 for Fall 2009 admission), you will have plenty of time to think about whether to transfer over holiday break.

It is difficult, also, to guage your chances for acceptance to UVA - largely because of the lower Math SAT score. All of your other stats seem strong. Do whatever you can to get strong prof recs. It seems like you are on track for an excellent college GPA. Your hs GPA was strong. If you want to consider re-taking the SAT - if you think you could get a better Math score - you might. You could then (I'm not up on current SAT score choice policies) either submit your scores before you re-take and only resubmit if you improve, or count on score choice if it's allowed.

Good luck.

wyldfae · 10-21-2008, 05:09 AM

Thank you very much for your help!

bunksmom · 10-21-2008, 07:32 AM

I agree with all that the above poster said. You may also want to try the ACT. You may do better on that test and then only need to send those scores instead. My son bought a little crash course book for the ACT. He used it to prepare for the Feb. exam which he took while he was away at school. Good luck with whatever you do- you may be surprised and end up loving where you are are!