A Few Questions (+Chances)

Andale
Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:30:23 +0000

Your college GPA is fine, fine, fine. Don’t know whether it’s a good idea to “apologize” for it in an essay; but if you feel you want to draft something up and have someone look at it and give an opinion, I’d be happy to.

Sounds like you should include UChicago, since it seems to be one you like very much - gotta give it a try. Really try to get those essays to convey who you are and why Chicago. I personally wouldn’t discourage you from anywhere; but narrowing it down to four should likely be your own top choices. Now, Stanford has a really really really low transfer acceptance rate, so the odds are not with you. Yet, if you want to give it a try, do so just recognizing the poor odds for anyone.

Here are some important questions in my mind. Why did you NOT go to any of those other schools which accepted you last year? What is about SUNY-Geneseo that you don’t like (you’ve already mentioned maybe to LAC-y/small?)? What is the money factor? Will you qualify for need-based aid (if so, you need to check the policies of the schools in meeting need for transfers)? Are you seeking merit aid (hope not, only because it is so limited for transfers)? Would you be content to stay at Geneseo if your transfer apps don’t work out? If not, make sure you have some safeties. I wouldn’t generally consider any of those schools safe, although some may be since you were accepted previously - but maybe not.

For recommending other schools, I’d like to hear what that research project is about and what major(s) you have in mind.

PS Would you qualify for application fee waivers?

Great good luck to you.