Transfer Admissions 101 - Page 3

Cvjn · 09-20-2007, 04:52 PM

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Can anyone give instructions on how to finish the "Midterm report"
Thank you.

Since I have only a faint idea of what you mean...

Is your Mid-Term report basically what you turn into colleges on your Midterm to show them that you're keeping your grades up, other than your first semester, and heading into the roughly same direction with second (or better) semester?

If that is what you mean...

What I did was, I typed up some stuff on Excel, and made it look professional. I had professors write my grade, my expected final grade, a signature and then a rough 1-2 sentence explanation on how I was doing. I think I went a bit overboard... but that's the rough idea.

MannyS · 09-24-2007, 10:50 AM

This might have been said, but if not...well here it is.

Some colleges ask whether or not you've been in contact with anyone from the school. Whether it be a coach or an admissions counselor, via phone or e-mail. It'd be best to record this person's information (name, position, etc.) and the date you two made contact. I'm pondering why they might ask it, but it might be for the sake of seriousness. Make a spreadsheet with transfer schools with contacts and other essential information. Losing track of schools is easy if you're throwing out transfer apps such as much myself. Organization is the first thing you need in order to transfer properly.

Andale · 09-24-2007, 02:01 PM

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Originally Posted by soccer_guy472

I've noticed instead of having a set date like freshman admissions (Seems to be around May 1st) That for transfers, it's like 2 weeks after you get your acceptance. What if you apply to like 4 or 5 schools? And you get an acceptance...but you wanna wait for a school you like better...and end up getting rejected...but your 2 weeks are up for the first. It just seems so much harder..almost like a game (take this one..or risk it all for a better prize!)

This is an issue that arises with Transfer Admissions.

PROBLEM:

1. As you say, there is no universally accepted date for response to transfer admissions decisions.
2. This often creates conflicts, where one or more schools want to hear back from you before you have even heard from other schools.
3. To make matters worse, there often seem to be a few schools which are VERY VERY late in transmitting their admissions decisions (well into June, sometimes).

SOLUTIONS:
1. Extensions: Some schools will readily extend the time for your decision. Some even say so in their acceptance materials. Some don't say so, but you can call and ask. Some will say no, some yes. You might want to give some thought to the reason you give for wanting the extension - "waiting to hear from other schools" can work; but you might also consider "want to visit your school and can't make the time until after my finals," "don't have my financial arrangements fully worked out" or whatever you can think of (as long as it's honest). Re seeking an extension: It is OKAY to do this. Many times students worry that it will be frowned upon. YOU ARE ALREADY ACCEPTED, so it does not hurt to try.
2. Getting an earlier answer:You can try for an answer from the school(s) upon which you are waiting. Again, some will give you the earlier response; some won't. Sometimes they've actually made the decision, but you just haven't received it yet. Again, I don't think it will be a "black mark" to seek the earlier response. It can be scary, I know. But it really shouldn't hurt to ask. And, you're basically telling them that you're wanted elsewhere but prefer their school. No harm in that .
3. When you are finally and truly stuck: Let's say you have an acceptance to your second choice, but haven't heard from your first choice. Go ahead and accept the spot at the bird you have in hand. Let's hope that the deposit is not too stiff; because you do stand the chance of losing it.
a. This is not the same as double accepting as a freshman admit, which has the common May 1 reply date. You are truly in a bind, not of your own making. So it's not an ethical violation, imo (and I think most others who have commented on the issue feel the same way).
b. If you get a "Yes" from your first choice, let the other school know right away that you are withdrawing from your spot. Some will even give your deposit back. Again, it can't hurt to ask.
c. Related topic: Housing can be very tight for transfers at some schools. Sometimes they will tell you to return your housing form immediately upon acceptance *even if you are not sure yet if you are going to this school.* Go ahead and do this. Often there is no housing deposit until you actually make your decision to go to this school.

ReadingFlutist · 10-03-2007, 08:39 AM

how much time should i give profs to write recs? i just found out that i can apply to a college for spring transfer, which i previously thought was not possible. the sooner i get all my applications materials, the sooner i will find out. so should i just tell profs to send in my recs ASAP, before Nov. 15? im hoping to have all my materials sent out within the next week or two, but i feel bad rushing my profs for recs.

Pratyush · 10-04-2007, 01:05 PM

does applying earlier then the deadline elp in transfer...i mean they dont have stuff like early decison or early application rite...so does applying early actually help....???

Cvjn · 10-04-2007, 01:21 PM

Not all schools have that program though. Only when a school has ROLLING admission, does applying early truly help.

Andale · 10-04-2007, 01:25 PM

Applying early only helps with rolling, as cvjn says, at the more selective schools. Many of the quite selective schools, with non-rolling admissions, don't really even BEGIN to process transfer apps until they have finished with the HUGE WORKLOAD of freshman apps. So, it often doesn't even work to check on whether your materials are all received until quite some time has passed - they just haven't entered it into their system yet.

At some of the less selective schools, even if they are not "officially" rolling admissions, it might help you get a quicker answer. Whether it enhances your admissions chances.... ??? But I'm talking about schools with pretty high acceptance rates anyway.

artsavedmylife · 10-08-2007, 12:45 AM

I have a couple of questions... one addressed to the rolling thing.

1) When a school says, "For spring admission, application review begins on a rolling basis in November with priority given to applications received by the Nov. 15 deadline," does that mean it will advantageous for me to send everything in by November 1?

2) Fee waiver for application - How do I get it?

3) High School Report - How does that work? Do I just call up my high school and ask them to write a recommendation for me?

Thanks in advance!

Cvjn · 10-08-2007, 01:12 AM

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1) When a school says, "For spring admission, application review begins on a rolling basis in November with priority given to applications received by the Nov. 15 deadline," does that mean it will advantageous for me to send everything in by November 1?

Yup. However, my personal rule (not based on any facts at all) is when I see a school is rolling, I'll try and get my things in as soon as possible, while also making sure my app is as good as it can be.

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2) Fee waiver for application - How do I get it?

Not too sure, I think you might have to call admissions office for that one.

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3) High School Report - How does that work? Do I just call up my high school and ask them to write a recommendation for me?

Thanks in advance!

Are you sure it's recommendation? It might just be your transcript. I haven't met too many colleges that require a high school recommendation after you're out of college. The ones I've seen are ones that require recommendation from a professor, or the dean.

I'm just going to assume that's going to be the transcript, and so yes, you can just call them to send it, or get a sealed copy yourself and send it yourself. I did the latter cause my dates weren't going to line up well, and didn't trust my advisors from high school.

artsavedmylife · 10-08-2007, 01:32 AM

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Are you sure it's recommendation? It might just be your transcript. I haven't met too many colleges that require a high school recommendation after you're out of college. The ones I've seen are ones that require recommendation from a professor, or the dean.

I'm just going to assume that's going to be the transcript, and so yes, you can just call them to send it, or get a sealed copy yourself and send it yourself. I did the latter cause my dates weren't going to line up well, and didn't trust my advisors from high school.

I think it is a recommendation. Under Oberlin's list of required stuff, they have the High School Report and the HS transcript as different things. They also provide a link to the report. I guess I'll call Oberlin tomorrow about how to approach it. Once again, thanks for answering my questions.

Andale · 10-08-2007, 04:14 AM

Usually the High School Report means a package containing your transcript and the school profile. But when my S transferred, his hs simply sent the full original package, which included transcript, profile, GC evaluation and teacher recs. Very possible your hs still has that all on file and can just send the whole shmeer. Oberlin can use whatever parts they want. Certainly no problem to call Oberlin, though. Be sure and ask them about the fee waivers - for freshman apps, I think the hs GC sends in something saying you qualify, so maybe your hs report could include that. Or there might be a different system for transfer waivers.

sunkissed xo · 10-15-2007, 01:06 PM

I would really like to send in at least one letter of recommendation because I have taken 3 Philosophy classes with the same Philosophy teacher.

But, I'm confused about how to send them to the schools, because I thought you aren't supposed to send and letter of rec's, unless they ask for them?

ehytee7 · 10-17-2007, 09:22 AM

about sending apps.. for example, i asked my school to send in my hs transcript this november, but then i'm sending my college app in december would that be okay?

yea.. i was also confused with submitting the applications early.. coz i spoke to a lady and she said that i should submit my application really early coz it's like first come first serve basis?? the school that i'm applying to has a priority deadline for transfers on Feb.1, 2008. If i understand the earlier posts above me correctly, since it's not a rolling basis coz the site didn't state anything about that, i could send it my apps like a week or two weeks before Feb 1,2008, right?

Cvjn · 10-17-2007, 12:01 PM

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about sending apps.. for example, i asked my school to send in my hs transcript this november, but then i'm sending my college app in december would that be okay?

What most schools do is make a file for you as soon as they get one part of your application. They then put the rest of your things in that app as they get more and more. Once it's complete, they look at it.

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yea.. i was also confused with submitting the applications early.. coz i spoke to a lady and she said that i should submit my application really early coz it's like first come first serve basis?? the school that i'm applying to has a priority deadline for transfers on Feb.1, 2008. If i understand the earlier posts above me correctly, since it's not a rolling basis coz the site didn't state anything about that, i could send it my apps like a week or two weeks before Feb 1,2008, right?

If you're positive it's not rolling, then they will review the applications that they get before Feb 1st, 2008 as the deadline, and then after that is a case by case basis.

Andale · 10-17-2007, 02:30 PM

If I interpre the qx about rolling/Feb 1,2008 deadline correctly, I would think this: that school may not call itself officially "rolling", but it reviews and decides on apps submitted prior to 2/1/08 on a rolling basis. Therefore, it would be my impression that there is a definite advantage to submitting early if it is a selective school/has limited transfer slots.

So I would submit mine as soon as I could have it ready.