<p>Now, I have fairly weak pre-college numbers (~1920 SAT, 2060 SAT II, 3.5 weighted (minimally, not sure of unweighted though). But, on balance, I did take the heaviest courseload that was available to me (8 AP classes, 9 exams), and my numbers were impacted by having spent half my high school time at a way stronger NE prep school (though not one of the "Exeter, Andovor, Roxbury Latin types).</p>
<p>Since then, I’ve improved, or so I’d like to think. I’m an AP Scholar with Distinction, and just finished my first semester at a top 50 research university (Case Western Reserve). I took half of my classes at the 100 level (freshman/sophmore), and half at the 200 level (sophmore/junior/senior). We only go up to the 300 level, and taking that first semester is almost unheard of. So, by typical freshman standards, I still had a rigorous load, and wound up on the Dean’s High Honor list, with a 4.0.</p>
<p>Now, I realize that my weak HS/standardized test numbers will still be looked at and weighted in the decision, since I’m applying to transfer for Fall 2008. But my question is, since colleges want to see both growth and proof that you can work to the level they expect, will the 4.0 for first semester give me an actual shot at the schools I’m aiming for?</p>
<p>Schools: Claremont Mckenna, UPenn, Cornell (CAS or ILR, undecided yet), WashU, Rice, Emory, and URochester.</p>
<p>It is not just about numbers. A lot of those schools are extremely competitive and it will mostly come down to the essay. In addition, some of those schools consider interest (CMC, Emory: “Why Emory?” essay, ILR “What is your academic interest?” essay) and whether or not you will fit into their school; so if you dont fit into what they are looking for, they will reject you, regardless of numbers.</p>
<p>Frankly, that is something I hope turns out to be true, as writing is my forte. If any sort of serious weight is given to the essays, I can only see it bolstering my odds. </p>
<p>As for college ECs, they’re not bad, but not amazing. Alot of what I do is hard to classify as a true EC, which is somewhat of a problem. For example, I’m quite politically minded, and therefore organize protests and events. Evidently, they’re fairly successful, as two of the largest specialty papers (Arab and Jewish) in the state have interviewed me about them. I’d like to figure out how I get something like that written down well.</p>
<p>Certainly you have a shot. ECs do not need to be organized clubs, etc. They are activities you pursue outside of the classroom which show that there is more to you than academics and that you might contribute to the campus community in interesting ways. And when they are things which you have “self-started,” I think that makes them even stronger, which seems to be the case with you. </p>
<p>Since they are political, there is always the chance that they might not be perceived in the way you intend, but from what you say about having been interviewed by two specialty newspapers, it sounds like you have something there.</p>
<p>Soccer_guy, Andale, thanks for the input. I wonder, should I send in those articles, particularly if they have a slant differing from my own? Is there a good way to express this?</p>
<p>Mrsopresident, you must have the wrong thread.</p>
<p>Possibly you should include them or citations from them. Not sure of how you can best present this activity. If you want to draft your approach and get a second opinion, you can PM me. Happy to review and express one opinion.</p>