Rejected for transfer, but still determined

EwePilgrim
Fri, 31 May 2013 20:34:32 +0000

Hi all! I first wanted to congratulate all the incoming Smithies on their admissions decisions! Unfortunately, I received the news this afternoon that I will not be attending Smith this fall. I knew going in that my application would be a long shot, but I am absolutely determined to work even harder and reapply for January.

I have a few questions about the path I should now take. I will provide my stats here for reference’s sake.

High school: International School of Boston
IB bilingual diploma
Special permission to take 4 higher levels
GPA: 3.75
ECs:

Theater award

Founder, president of Theater Club

Mentor for 3rd grade

First Uni: McGill University (2009-2011)
East Asian Studies
GPA: 1.53
ECs:

Sexual Assault Centre - support group co-facilitator

Second Uni: Harvard Extension School (2011-present)
Non degree student
GPA: 3.8
ECs:

Summer study abroad in Beijing for six week language intensive

Summer study abroad in Tokyo for six week language intensive

Note: You may have noticed that my application is by no means stellar. My years at McGill were characterized by depression and suicidal behavior, as I tried to cope with my experience being raped at the end of high school. I explained my situation in my essay, trying to focus on the way it changed me for the better, and what I was able to learn about myself. The essay focused especially on my passion for East Asia, and my experiences growing up in different countries in Asia - I tried to capitalize on my global, interdisciplinary outlook, and my determination to someday become a US Foreign Service officer.

Although I was rejected from Smith, I know that there is nowhere else I would love to study more, and I am determined to reapply for January admission.

What are some things I can do to help bolster my chances? I think my ECs are a bit weak at the moment, and I could stand to take more than three classes (which is as many as I have taken in one semester). I would hope to increase my workload to four classes, with a part-time job and volunteer work. I am also looking into finding a good guidance counselor for transfer applicants, as the HES unfortunately doesn’t provide such services.

As for my professor recs, I chose one prof who taught me once three years ago (got an A and we got on very well, but I don’t know if he truly remembers me today), and one from a prof at HES who taught me for a year. This time, I’m thinking of dropping the first one, keeping the second, finding a new prof to replace the first, and also asking my high school IB coordinator to write me a supplementary rec. She was my mentor for my extended essay, knew me like her own child, and we still maintain regular contact to this day. I was the first student in the history of the school to score a perfect 7 in English HL, and to this day hold the record for the highest extended essay grade in the school (35 out of 36).

In any case, I apologize for meandering! I would love any guidance, comments, suggestions, or otherwise. Thank you all so much in advance!