Can I transfer to an elite school with mediocre high school and SAT stats?

Hello Paul,

Yes, I do actually believe it is possible, but it is something you will have to address and be creative with in your letter in your application. I would be open about understanding that, while your high school grades weren’t the best, you have grown so much in the past year by examples A, B, and C. Also highlight the fact that you have competed in the hackathons, and portray that you now have a clear understanding of why you feel you need to be a student at their school, and what opportunities/doors you think it will open. I would say that you took this year to improve your grades and refocus before applying to the schools you really wanted to attend. I would also suggest trying to take the SATs again to gain a higher score, but if standardized testing is something you struggle with, address this when discussing your high school grades.

One thing I would recommend looking at are top notch schools that emphasize computer science, because I would hate for you to go to a school because they look great on paper, only to find out they do not have the resources you are hoping for. Schools are very interested in students who have computer science skills, and I think that with the work you have done between high school and today, there is a lot of room to make a great case as to why you should be accepted.

Good luck!

If you apply to the schools you aspire to (hopefully having attended all of the open houses they offer for prospective students either on their campuses or at the ones offered by far away schools at local hotels) and are not accepted, remember that you can try them again at the graduate school level.

And yes, make sure the schools shine in your major. Not all will and that could become a drag when it comes to internships while a student. You want schools that have strong relationships with internship sites based on your major.

Hopefully, you are doing your research on each school and knowing what type of nuances in CS they offer. Don't rule out schools that aren't elite in your mind. Some employers aren't impressed by the snobbish students who studied more theory than got their hands dirty, so to speak, that they meet from elite schools and prefer the more down to earth types they meet who are talented and attended the local state college. They know not all talented and smart students could afford the elite schools.

Hi Paul!

You've already gotten some really good advice but one thing I would add is that you might want to try to get accepted into a feeder school for the university that you aspire to. Most big name universities have feeder schools that students can attend and if they do well, can transfer into the main campus for upper level courses. Also, many universities have branch campuses that are easier to gain admission. This can lead to a transfer but you still have that university on your diploma.

Best of luck and congratulations on getting it together!

Jeff

Yes, it is possible depending on the school.

The above advice tou have gotren pretty much said it all. The only thing ill highlight is attempting to apply after your research. Most schools have admissions requirements from both a Freshman and Tranfer student perspective. Your research will uncover if you are in line for the schools you desire to attend. I say go for it. You have done an excellent job at improving upon what are already decent grades. In comparison to the majority of students of course. You've done well. Keep it up, do your research, and apply.
Good luck.