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Hey everyone,

I'm a Freshman at the Collge of William and Mary, and I want very much to transfer to Penn. I am just curious as to what the Admissions office thinks of transfer applicants who apply to Penn during their freshman year instead of sophomore -- If I apply for admission in the 2005 - 2006 year will I have a significant disadvantage vs. students who have completed two year of college work? So, basically, I just want to know if it would be better to apply this year or next, or perhaps both if I apply this year and am not accepted. Would it be to my detriment if I were to apply and be rejected for next year and then apply again as a sophomore?

Thanks

By Penntransfer (Penntransfer) on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 09:20 pm: Edit

I'm a transfer student at Penn who transferred after only one year at my previous school, Lehigh University. I have met many students who have transferred after only one year. I think as long as you do well your first year, then go ahead and apply as a freshman. However, if you feel that you need two years in order to prove to Penn that you can do well in college, then apply after two years. Also, it's pretty early in the year to know for sure that you want to transfer. Make sure you give William and Mary a chance by joining organizations and getting involved etc.. If you do this and realize you still want to go to Penn, then you will be able to tell the Penn admissions committee that you participated in X,Y,and Z activities and you still feel that Penn has more to offer. Along with a good GPA and good essays, you should have a pretty good chance of getting in. Hope this helps. ( ;

By Familyguy17 (Familyguy17) on Saturday, September 11, 2004 - 11:10 pm: Edit

I also transferred after my freshman year at Penn State. I would definitely recommend applying this year because it can be much more difficult to complete required courses in just two years. Also, you'll have more time to meet friends and the people you will associate with the most. I got a 4.0 my first semester at Penn State and slacked off a little my second, but they make the admissions decision prior to receiving second semester grades. In your essays, just make sure to convince them that you do have some solid reasons for transferring. Also throw a few activities and organizations that would make the admissions committee say, "Hmm...this guy has something to offer here." You'll be here in no time. If not, there's always next year if you're still interested. There were a bunch of Junior transfers this year too.

By Mrpeepers (Mrpeepers) on Sunday, September 12, 2004 - 04:33 pm: Edit

Thanks, guys. I'm going to go for it this year. I think I'm looking at a 3.8-4.0 for the semester, so I'm just going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best. Do you think the fact that I'm out-of-state at W&M will help? Also, I'm from rural North Carolina-- does Penn take that into account, as I am from an area that certainly isn't well-represented?

By Mrpeepers (Mrpeepers) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 03:01 pm: Edit

Anyone?

By Familyguy17 (Familyguy17) on Monday, September 13, 2004 - 05:03 pm: Edit

I don't think it will help you that much. But what will help you is the fact that W&M is a real school and not just a community college or something like that. Also, the admissions committee is also looking for people who will be able to start off their academic career where they left off from their previous school. This doesn't mean you have to pursue the same major but have at least taken the necessary core/introductory level courses so you'll be in good shape when it comes to transfer your courses over.

By Mrpeepers (Mrpeepers) on Thursday, September 16, 2004 - 03:35 pm: Edit

Thanks for the help.

By Mrpeepers (Mrpeepers) on Friday, September 17, 2004 - 11:02 pm: Edit

Anyone else have anything to add?

By Mrpeepers (Mrpeepers) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 11:23 am: Edit

Anything?

By Viperlad (Viperlad) on Saturday, September 18, 2004 - 06:01 pm: Edit

Hey, I'm also a transfer student this year, from W&M. My advice is just to enjoy college and not worry about transferring until you are sure you want to leave (you have until mid march to complete the application). Like Penntransfer said, you really should take advantage of what WM has to offer, b/c you may be surprised and find out that it's the right school for you. I got involved and decided that WM wasn't for me, but I had other friends who ended up loving it by the end of the year. Anyway, if you do decide you want to get the hell out of williamsburg, apply this year. Transferring is a huge pain in the ass, so the sooner you do it the better. Also, if you applied to Penn last year and didn't get in, mention it in your essay (it will show the admissions committee that you really want to attend). There are 3 of us from WM in this year's transfer class (213 I think), so as long as you do well you defenitly have a shot. Best of luck and if you have anyway questions about either school just send me an email.

By Rsxman (Rsxman) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 01:01 am: Edit

Just wondering, since coming from a good school does mean a lot, W&M certainly has it's prestige. How much prestige is there by coming from a school like NYU (CAS) as a bio major/premed?

By Kimfuge (Kimfuge) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 07:41 am: Edit

why do you want to transfer though?

By Penntransfer (Penntransfer) on Sunday, September 19, 2004 - 01:53 pm: Edit

Viperlad, I think I met you, unless there's another male transfer from W&M.