DD Wants to Transfer

[Anonymous]

I'll keep this short. DD is a sophomore at an Ivy. Was assaulted and stalked her freshman year for five brutal and traumatizing months. Is miserable at the current school she's at and wants to leave. Has a 3.7 as a gender studies major. Where can she transfer to? Ideally, she wants to go to another Ivy (except Cornell or Penn because she hates those schools), but I feel like her GPA might prevent her from transferring to another Ivy. Other schools on her list are Wesleyan, Vassar, Barnard, Northwestern, and Stanford (I know, long shot). I've never been through this... Help!

[Anonymous]

Get the applications in ASAP, most are rolling. My D transferred in January at the next tier. Best decision ever.

[Anonymous]

How about an all women's college?

Smith, Barnard, Wellesley etc.

[Anonymous]

Wellesley

[Anonymous]

If you have the funds, try to get the help of a college counselor. They can help guide you on where she has the best shot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How about an all women's college?

Smith, Barnard, Wellesley etc.

Just saw Barnard on her list. I'd start there.

[Anonymous]

Try the schools she favors, some are within reach...and you never know.

If she alludes to some of her ordeal when she applies (her choice of course), they may marvel at how well she has done given what she was enduring.

I am sorry for what she has be subjected to, but am happy she sees a way forward. She is lucky to have your clear support and love.

[Anonymous]

Is she online this semester? Would she consider doing community college for next semester to regroup and refocus? Some schools are easier to enter in the fall semester with orientations and everything, but this year is a little different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you have the funds, try to get the help of a college counselor. They can help guide you on where she has the best shot.

We don't have the money for a college counselor, but we spoke to a couple for free during their initial consultation. They all had different opinions on what her chances were and where she should apply. Some said that her story was compelling and she should reach for the stars, others said that her GPA prevents her from going anywhere prestigious, others said that colleges might not want to take her because they "will view her as a liability" (their words not mine!). That's what makes this so hard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she online this semester? Would she consider doing community college for next semester to regroup and refocus? Some schools are easier to enter in the fall semester with orientations and everything, but this year is a little different.

She is online this semester and most likely for the entire year. Since she's at home with us there's no need to take classes elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

My D was miserable at her university. She investigated the transfer process and was overwhelmed with her studies. I had to jump in help a lot with the applications and requesting transcripts etc. Ended up deciding to apply to only one school and the fall back was if she didn't get in she would come home for a semester and take some local classes. She got into the one. Learned that sometimes it is easier to transfer than get admitted as freshman. Also a 3.7 GPA is outstanding, so she should be okay. Good Luck!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:If you have the funds, try to get the help of a college counselor. They can help guide you on where she has the best shot.

We don't have the money for a college counselor, but we spoke to a couple for free during their initial consultation. They all had different opinions on what her chances were and where she should apply. Some said that her story was compelling and she should reach for the stars, others said that her GPA prevents her from going anywhere prestigious, others said that colleges might not want to take her because they "will view her as a liability" (their words not mine!). That's what makes this so hard.

I was going to suggest if you can't afford the college counselors to do what you did and "interview" a few. Most will give you 30-60 minutes free consultation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My D was miserable at her university. She investigated the transfer process and was overwhelmed with her studies. I had to jump in help a lot with the applications and requesting transcripts etc. Ended up deciding to apply to only one school and the fall back was if she didn't get in she would come home for a semester and take some local classes. She got into the one. Learned that sometimes it is easier to transfer than get admitted as freshman. Also a 3.7 GPA is outstanding, so she should be okay. Good Luck!!

Really? I heard the opposite.

[Anonymous]

Agree it’s easier to transfer. Given what she’s been through I bet she can find a kind admissions officer who will contextualize her grades. Get those apps out and cross your fingers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Agree it’s easier to transfer. Given what she’s been through I bet she can find a kind admissions officer who will contextualize her grades. Get those apps out and cross your fingers.

I really hope it's easier to transfer, but the admit rates for most schools is far lower than their freshman admit rates...