Help me out about colleges (transfer)

Jimmy_Moon
Wed, 13 Apr 2005 19:00:59 +0000

Alright, from what I’m reading on these boards (bunch of overachievers), I’m not the typical poster here. I’d like a little bit of help from those of you who know about the admissions process and is not just applying. I don’t need impressions, because my record is a little funny. I need some solid advice.

I left high school to get my GED when I was 16. I completely bombed high school. D’s and F’s in 9th grade, straight F’s in 10th. Then I left. I was going to Boston Latin school. Hated that place. My performance then is not indicative of my performance and work ethic now.

I have 15 college credits, from Bunker Hill community college in Boston, (4 B’s and 1 A) and I’m taking 2 classes at Harvard Extension school with the intention of taking classes there full time next semester (because the classes are great), in addition to taking 3 more at Bunker Hill. I’m getting A’s or B’s in all of them. I also have 1 C from Bunker Hill from 2002 right after I left high school, but I didn’t include that in the 15. I have taken classes mostly in history, government, and philosophy.

I got 1220 on the SAT, 700 verbal 520 math, but I could do so much better on it, probably 1340 - 1400 if I studied my little ass off for the math. I plan to take it again soon. I last took it in 2003.

I have some work experience, worked construction for the summer of 03, worked for the museum of science in information technology for all of 2000, I’m working for a computer consultant right now, worked construction again last winter (04). I’m currently a Marine Corps reservist, I was in training for most of 2004. I’m an infantryman.

My interests are computers, the outdoors, and history. I read about a book a week, I go on hiking/biking/canoe trips over the summer, I went on a 2 month long one back in 2001. I’ve been in computers for 6 years now, I don’t think I 'm a prodigy or anything (don’t know any computer languages besides HTML) but I have built many computers from spare parts. I built the one I’m typing on. I’ve also held many jobs related to computers, and could probably get the A+ pc certificate if I tried (but who couldn’t?). I also go to the gym 2 or 3 times a week and I think I’m pretty physically fit.

My activities, in the past I have done crew (for a year) volunteered at a couple places (lucy parsons center, a leftist bookstore in boston), good samaritans (suicide hotline, for a couple weeks so far), and I plan to volunteer at Darrow, the wilderness camp I did the trip with, this summer. I’ve also done kung fu for a couple of months, taken a bunch of cooking classes, and of course I report to drill every month for the Marines. I don’t really know what else. If I can think of more I’ll edit it.

I want to have a career in either a private think tank or the government, so I’m pursuing international relations as a major. I’m set on that.

I can also write a good essay, I wrote one when I was applying to schools before (never sent them off), so I can email it if anyone wants to read it.

Also, my dad and mom went to UT, and my dad went on to Columbia, and Harvard, if that matters at all.

Based on all this, what do you think my chances are at transferring to a good school somewhere? I would absolutely love to go to Tufts, but I will also apply to Umass Amherst, Hampshire, and a couple of other places.

What school do you (of the experienced ones) think would be a good match for me?

Thanks!