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If I get into a state uni then can I transfer to a good LAC?
Also can you tell me sth abt UT Arlington, UNC Ashville

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 10:46 am: Edit

Yes, it is very possible to transfer to a private college from a public/state university. In fact, for people who aren't exactly sure what they want to major in or do with their lives this can be a good money-saving plan while they decide on their focus. Keep your grades up and try to take intro level courses in subjects like English, math, science, etc. as that will help you if you have any core requirements to meet in your next school.

By Frustrated24 (Frustrated24) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 12:40 pm: Edit

hey carolyn..thanx for the info...let me explain to you my situation...i am immigrant..immigrated a few months back...my sat's arent that great..will be in the 1300-1350 range (composite)...i wanna get into a good liberal arts school. Problem is I dont have enough time to prepare my stuff...nor do I have a lot of money..only at uarkansas i can pay instate tuition..i am not sure what i want to major but possibly..biology/eco/comp sci... PLease help..

By Haon (Haon) on Tuesday, December 02, 2003 - 04:45 pm: Edit

Carolyn--the question asked was if it's easy to transfer from a PUBLIC university to a good LAC...

The answer is, it depends on the LAC...Schools only have as many transfer spaces available as students who transfer out of the school. Since LACs are smaller than universities, they have less transfer spots open (they also have less transfer applicants). However, I'd say it's harder to transfer to an LAC than a University. It's also harder to transfer to an LAC than to be admitted RD, and as most LACs are generous with merit aid, I'd recommend trying to apply first shot (RD or ED).

Of the top LACs I believe Carleton accepts the most transfer applicants and Williams accepts the least. However, this varies widely year by year and I may stand corrected if someone has more recent figures.

By Frustrated24 (Frustrated24) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 12:00 am: Edit

thanx haon...so what do i do you recommend? and please give me some advice on the second question...

By Frustrated24 (Frustrated24) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 12:11 am: Edit

one more question haon or carolyn...if i get admitted to a second tier LAC...will it be very bad..and can I transfer if i think i am ready for more competition? And if I am ok with an all male situation is it a good idea to apply to Wabash and if i think, then i will transfer later..?

By Gurveer (Gurveer) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 08:10 am: Edit

hi everybody im gurveer in india and i want to study in canada.tell me watshould be do and syllabus of sat exam

By Carolyn (Carolyn) on Wednesday, December 03, 2003 - 11:02 am: Edit

Frustrated, if at all possible you should transfer to the school you plan to stay at - there's always a chance of losing credits in each transfer which would delay your graduation. Additionally, graduate and professional schools will not be thrilled to see multiple transfers on your transcripts. However, if you're talking about starting out at an LAC and transferring after a year to a more selective school, that would be fine.

As Haon points out, transferring to a "top" LAC can sometimes be difficult. However, towards the bottom of the first tier and top of the second tier, most LAC's lose a percentage of students over time so your chances of transferring increase. Your SATs would put you in the range for schools in this category, but much will depend on your grades at your current school. You may want to look at these schools in any case because they are the most likely to provide significant financial aid to non-US citizens (I'm assuming you fall into this category).

Some very good schools that give decent financial aid to non-US citizens: Lawrence University, Beloit College, Grinnell, Macalester, College of Wooster, Kenyon. Since you seem to currently be in Arkansas, you may want to take a look at Hendrix College as well - it is a good school and is very generous with financial aid - additionally, it is less expensive than schools in the Northeast. In general, you will find that schools in the mid-west tend to be less expensive than schools in the Northeast and the West coast so I'd focus your search there first and then if you can't find a school you like, gradually broaden it. (By the way, Kenyon and Grinnell are not inexpensive schools)

Wabash is extremely generous with financial aid and merit scholarships. It is a good school academically as well with many successful alumni.
However, try to visit if you can because some people find the all-male environment a turn off.