Realistic chances of transferring into CHC after a semester or two at UMASS

Colleges & Universities University of Massachusetts - Amherst
1

Hi, my D did not get into CHC but does not like the large feel of UMASS. She was accepted to Isenberg (HS GPA 3.9/4.4, ACT32).

What does she have to do to get accepted into CHC after a semester or two? If she meets that criteria, is it a guaranteed acceptance, or is she one of thousands trying to get the one or two spots left open by those who left?

Also, how hard is it to get a high GPA in the Isenberg? She’s a hard worker, very disciplined and I doubt she’d party her way out of doing her best work. (I suppose you never know about that until they get there, though!)

I’m trying to advise her but want to give realistic advice rather than the vague “well, you can apply to it later.”

2

The UMASS CHC website should give you a specific number. I forget what it is. She should have no problem transferring in. There is quite a bit of churn in the CHC. People opt out once they figure out it is not really everything they thought it would be. Expectations are rarely met.

Isenberg is doable. It is not a blow off but she will handle it just fine with a HS wGPA of 4.4. Shocking actually that she did not get into the CHC. My son is at a 4.0 and I wondered if he could get in. I guess not. My son did not apply. School is way to big and crazy for him.

3

MassDaD68, I wonder what you are basing your statement on - “People opt out once they figure it is not really everything they thought it would be. Expectations are rarely met.”

Do you have firsthand experience? Or are you relying on hearsay?

I have a child (current senior) in CHC and it’s been awesome - the opportunity to take smaller-sized classes, access to additional advisors and scholarships, state-of-the-art housing options, and great programming events in the CHC community room (open to all students, not just CHC students). Not getting in isn’t a deal breaker by any means. There is plenty to do on campus and places to live without it. It does not grant priority registration for classes and CHC costs an extra $300 per semester. But it is a nice “extra.”

4

Thank you for your post pilgrim6! I have also heard nothing but positive from families we know with kids in the CHC. And I’ve also heard nothing but good about UMass in general. Several kids we know didn’t think the school was their first choice but the money was appealing to their parents. Fast forward a year and the kids love it there!

5

Everyone I know is happy there too. And happy with CHC.

6

My child has loved UMass from Day 1. Despite getting into many colleges (some would say “better” colleges ) she wholeheartedly picked UMass and has never locked back or regretted it for one mintue. She is in CHC and Isenberg, and while CHC is nice, that is not why she picked UMass.

Here’s why UMass is a great school: strong academics with a variety of majors to choose from; a variety of housing options; a diverse student population; excellent, fresh, healthy food (don’t underestimate how nice it is to have a variety of nutritious and delicious food options prepared for you day after day at every meal); an awesome rec center to stay fit; division 1 sports teams to watch all three seasons; a lively arts and music scene; student discounts on shows and concerts at the campus center; tons of clubs, extracurricular activities, and intramural sports teams to join; many opportunities for campus jobs for students to earn extra money; a nearby town students can walk to; the 5-college consortium that lets students take classes at any of the 5 colleges; scholarship opportunities; informed and well-spoken staff who answer your questions politely and effectively when you call; and more.

Every student is different is terms of what degree they want to take advantage of the above opportunities, but they’re out there, and I think that is why students end up loving UMass, even students who didn’t initially want to go there. People who disparage it think it’s just a party school, or that the academics aren’t rigorous enough, or the students are slackers, or that it won’t prepare their child for the real world. They’re entitled to their opinions, of course, but real students know better.

At UMass my child has taken advantage of the following: joined a campus-run business where she is now co-manager, played on two intramural sports teams, joined a business club, became a tour guide, worked at UMass one summer as a new student orientation leader, took a class at another college in the 5-college consortium, attended many sporting events, concerts, and shows, experienced the real-life perspective of living off campus, applied for and received several scholarships through her major, took new fitness classes at the rec center, and enjoyed the many events put on by UMass Dining. Each student will have his or her own variation of the above list. She has a job offer in hand and will graduate without the crushing debt she would have had had she chosen one of the “better” colleges, which for me might be the most important thing.

UMass is a great option for kids and ignore people who might snub their nose at it. And it’s getting better and better everyday. Go UMass!!!

7

@pilgrim6 You’ve offered a great description of Umass! I will save this until later in the spring,when we are talking with our son about what his options are!