I’m at headed into my sophomore year, during which I will be studying abroad and I find myself unhappy with my home institution so I have decided to transfer the fall of my junior year. I have earned a 3.8 GPA and I am heavily involved in extracurricular activities. I am the president of my dorm, member of numerous clubs and have conducted my own research project. As a member of a living and learning community I recieved the freshman of the year award and I was the only bachelor student in a school of 35,000 to be chosen to give a TEDx which I gave the spring of my freshman year. Do you have any suggestions on the types of school that may accept me? I am a political science and economics double major with a history minor. Any suggestions would be great! (I apologize for any typos I am having some trouble with my keyboard) I am retaking my SAT in August so that my scores will be a better representation of my current skill level. I don’t like making excuses but due to several personal issues I was not a stellar student my first two years of high school so my GPA (a 3.1) was far from impressive. However I was able to overcome my struggles and my grades steadily improved. I currently attended Colorado State University which has given me many opportunities to thrive but I would like to transfer to be closer to my family, some of whom live on the east coast and some on the west coast. My big concern is that I will not be able to get into a great school because of my high school grades, not only has my intellect grown since that difficult time but I believe my character has too. Do you think my highschooo grades will be a substantial setback? Thank you for you advice!
Whether or not your HS grades will be considered depends on the school. At some schools, once you have as many college credits as you will by the time you transfer, they won’t even look at your HS records or SAT scores. At others, like NYU, they’ll want your HS transcripts, but not your SAT scores. At still others, they absolutely do want both.
Since your college record is much stronger than your HS record, you’ll want to apply to at least some good schools which don’t look at your HS record. You can also apply to some schools that do, and use your essays to tell your story, hoping your stronger college grades will be more heavily weighted than your HS grades.
Before you retake the SAT, do formal SAT prep. It has likely been a long time since you’ve had that math, for example - if you’re currently taking college level math. You also want to check the transfer requirements at the schools you like, because if none require the SAT, you don’t need to retake it.
Are you in state for MA? What is your budget? Preferences?
I am a CA resident and while budget is a factor I have outside schorships that will aloe me to attend more expensive schools. ( but lower cost is always better)
I would figure out where you are going to attend and then do a study abroad program through that school. It may be the same program you are in now (many school share the same programs) but if you don’t, you may lose a lot of credits in the transfer. It also may be cheaper if you go as part of a program where you pay instate tuition.
I believe retaking the ACT will be a waste of time and money. The transfer school is going to look at your college record, not an ACT taken more than a year after you graduated from high school. Many schools only consider a test score if the exam is taken no later than fall of senior year.
It’s really hard to recommend schools without more information. What are you looking for in size, location, and vibe? What specifically do you like and don’t like about your current educational experience? You say you want to be close to your family. Can you give more detailed info. re: preferred geographic area?