earlygrad123

Hello,

I'll be 17 years old at the time of transfer, I'm not sure whether or not that's considered impressive.

I am currently a sophomore at a community college hoping to transfer to a top university like yale, dartmouth, columbia, brown, etc. I graduated two years early from high school (left after my sophomore year) due to financial reasons (i had to help my parents out because they're getting older- and in the long run this would be the smarter financial decision).
Anyways, here are my stats:
ACT Composite: 35
College GPA: 4.0
High School GPA: 3.9

major of interest: anthropology
EC:
Vice-president anthropology club
-internship at non-profit organization dealing with middle eastern/north african culture
-creator and head of music teaching program at a non-profit organization that caters to children from low-income areas suffering from mental disorders
-creator and head of cultural enrichment program at the same place listed previously
-tutor for reading at low-income school
-soprano student at music conservatory for 3 years
-presented&won anthropology symposium at school (presented on original research on anthropological topic
-i work at a local pharmacy as a clerk for the past two years
-been helping out at my dad's small business for the last four years
-created a youth council that is active in local govt.
-research on cancer cells (tested various pharmaceutical drugs)



[I understand that the transfer rate to such top schools as yale, columbia, etc. are extremely low. However, I believe i can offer a fresh perspective at these schools with my non-traditional background in education, which is what i think these schools are looking for. what do you think?]

lilsiss

Seeing as how you've been out of hs for a couple of years that brings something different. and it seems like youve done some really cool different stuff. Someone who is gonna give back to the college community is what they are looking for. As long as your essays are good and you can give a good reason (which you have) for leaving early you'll be fine!

Adodie

You are extremely difficult to chance due to your unique situation. In addition, I really do not know the differences in transfer applications to just regular undergrad applications. With that said, I'll try to critique your overall profile than give an absolute 'chance.'

Academically, you are clearly prepared for any school. A 35 ACT and your GPA put you, academically speaking, in the running for any school in the nation. Unfortunately, most people applying to the Stanfords or Yales of the world are also academically qualified, and yet most also get rejected. Thus, the discussion must shift to extracurricular activities.

I'd say your EC's are actually difficult to judge, too. On one hand, there is nothing that absolutely stands out. However, with your EC's, you show a passion for anthropology and music, and passion always looks good on a college app, particularly when your EC's line up with your potential major.

So, ultimately, I say you stand a shot, and you have as good of a chance as anybody (which, unfortunately, is still not great). Focus on writing excellent essay to make you stand out, and that may give you a boost. Best of luck!

earlygrad123

Thanks for the feedback. For transfers, the acceptance rate is even LOWER than freshmen..And the essays really are the make-or-break...The thing that sucks about the entire process is that I'm not able to (on my commonapp EC fill-out) all the EC's I did in my freshman/sophomore year of high school..

Semelsam13

Holy cow. 35 ACT. You are something. I think you will not fail to stand out. However, I wouldn't know what they are looking for.

Ukneadmorebread

Very unique...I figure that because you are from a community college you won't get looked at as seriously as other transfer students, but this is just heresy, I don't actually know. Your ACT and EC's should get you in anywhere as long as there is nothing terrible about your high school career not already mentioned. Make sure to work on essays, those will be what make you stand out.