What matters most when transferring?

david06
Sun, 30 Apr 2006 23:18:56 +0000

I was denied from the more competitive schools I applied to, and my best guess as to why is my GPA. I know it’s the single most important factor in admissions; my SATs and extracurriculars were at the level required for top-tier schools but my GPA was not of the same caliber. I’m sure I perhaps rightly fell into the profile of a student who has not achieved to their potential in high school. I’m making things sound worse than they are - I had a high GPA (around 96) but just not what was needed for schools like Penn or Cornell.

I will be going to Penn State University Park. While I’m sure I’m going to get a good education and have a good four years there, the thought of transferring is still in the back of my mind. How much weight do college vs. HS grades have after one year of college? After two?

Basically, while it’s hard to know why decisions happen, if I am correct in my assumption that I may have fit into the “slacker” profile will top tier schools be willing to overlook these mediocre high school grades given two years of outstanding performance in college and good participation in college extracurriculars? Are there any strategies to maximize the chances of a successful transfer application?