Awful First Year: Looking to Transfer

Transfer Students
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I am currently a student at Hofstra Uni.

I’ll try to make this as short as possible!

Since my senior year of high school, my family and I have been going through a number of rough patches. My father had been sick with kidney cancer for a good two years and unfortunately passed away last year in the middle of my first year of college. Freshmen year was difficult, not only because of adjustment from HS, but also because his disease progressed at a rapid rate. He was in and out of the hospital, so most of my time was spent with my family up until his death. Due to my familial relations and this happening, I chose to stay home for school and commute.

However, now that it has been a year and I’ve just finished my third semester, I am interested in transferring to a school somewhere close to home and starting fresh, if you will. If I have to, I don’t mind commuting, but if I can dorm, that’d be best. I am a Poli Sci major and would like to continue studying political science. I am looking for schools that have a larger Poli Sci department, Hofstra’s is nice and everyone is super great at what they do, but I definitely am more interested in an IR focus w/ Middle East, which Hofstra lacks a bit.

Stats:
High School
GPA: 3.5/4.0
lots of ECs and leadership roles
ACT 21: Not sure if it matters any more, I have over 30 credits…but it’s a pretty low score
SAT: N/A didn’t take it

College/Now
GPA: 3.4/4.0 (my first year was consistent with a 3.17 for both semesters, but for my third semester I have received a 3.63)
-I have not participated in any ECs due to my standing as a non-driving commuter (and especially due to my circumstances first year). Clubs happen super late at night, long after I am off campus.I really want to be able to join in on club activities, so this is also another factor as to why I want to transfer. For now, I am going to try and make some of my classes later in the day, so I can participate in these activities, I’m also trying to start two clubs on campus, so we’ll see how everything goes.
-Will be getting two recommendation letters from one faculty who I’ve known and knows my past situation. Same with an advisor.

Schools I am interested in: Fordham University LC or Rosehill, CUNY Hunter, Brooklyn and Queens. Maybe NYU???

I’m aware some of these schools are reach schools, and I’m lacking in my application and I’m not sure what to include. Should I explain the circumstances of my first year? I feel like I shouldn’t, I’m really not sure. What are my chances??

Anyway, has anyone with a similar situation to mine find hope??? Are there any other schools you could recommend??

I appreciate your help greatly, thanks.

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First, my condolences to the loss of your father.

I was am also currently a commuter so I know what you mean about not being able to participate in clubs. As for your stats, a 3.4 GPA isn’t half bad for college, especially considering your circumstances. Not quite sure which schools on your list will require your HS transcript and scores, but NYU probably does. Most colleges like to see about a 3.0 GPA or above for competitive junior transfers. If you can, try and retake the ACT to get a higher score to show some potential schools.
You show an upward trend as well with the 3.17 to the 3.63, so that will help you.

I also see you’re wanting to stay in-state so maybe check out some SUNY schools as well, like Binghamton.

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@camover Thanks so much for your condolences…

I checked up on most schools; they all require HS transcripts and such. NYU doesn’t require test scores, but I believe the others do. I don’t know if it’d be worth it to take the ACT considering it is passed the registration deadline and the next one administered after the February exam is the end of April and I’d hope to get my applications and all that in before then…so it might be too late…But thank you so much for your feedback, I’ll look into some SUNYs.

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For what it’s worth, I think you’re making a good move to be closer to your family…a fresh start would be good now…i’m really sorry about your dad…that is really sad.

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@‌GreyGarvin Thank you, I appreciate your thoughts. Right now, I’m just hoping for a smoother road ahead.

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@roarx1, I’m really sorry to hear about your dad. I think it’s great that you’re willing to go out on your own a bit. How much can your family afford to pay per year? We have some great schools in NYS, but they come with a variety of price tags.

I think you should register for the next ACT. You can submit your applications and send your score later on. When you apply, definitely give them your background because it’s important for them to get a complete picture.