By: Laura Balinski
When I was applying to colleges during high school, I always wanted to major in marketing, and have a career in the business world. I got into marketing for most of the schools I applied to, except UMass (where I was accepted into Economics). UMass Admissions always recommends when applying to a competitive school like the Isenberg School of Management, to put a non-competitive major like Economics as a backup choice and you can later try and transfer once you are here.
Now I am entering my sophomore year at UMass, and I have done just that. I came into the school knowing I would apply and try to transfer into the marketing program. Although I successfully transferred into Isenberg after my second semester freshman year, the process was different than switching into other majors on campus. I am writing this post because I want to share my personal experience and hope to give anyone who is going through the process some tips and tricks that helped me get into Isenberg.
Unlike switching into other majors and schools where you usually fill out a form, Isenberg requires you to complete a few things before you can apply. First, is taking prerequisite courses before applying. The earliest you can apply is your second semester of freshman year and you must complete three prerequisite courses, including Calculus (127 or 131), Intro to Microeconomics, and Intro to Macroeconomics. The GPA in these courses are highly looked at because Isenberg uses these to determine how you would perform in future business classes, since these are the basics. I personally took Calculus 127 and Intro to Microeconomics my first semester and took Intro to Macroeconomics my second. You can apply multiple times, but you need to add on additional prerequisite courses, so if you apply your first semester sophomore year, you must have taken four courses. Also, your overall GPA is looked at too and I am going to be honest, your GPA is a large factor for applying into Isenberg. I worked hard in all my classes and went to any extra help sessions that were offered before exams. I also spent many long hours in the library or ILC (I personally love the Communications Hub Study area) and went to several office hours for classes because I wanted to do everything I could to succeed in them.
Another thing that is required before applying is attending an Information Session during the semester you plan on applying in. The Information Session is about the transfer process into Isenberg as a current UMass student. They offer them every semester and Isenberg Advisors who grade the applications lead them. They have three separate ones: one for BBA majors, one for Sport Management, and one for Hospitality and Tourism Management. The BBA majors are more competitive and require a higher GPA while Sports Management and HTM are both BS, so the minimum GPA is usually a 3.2. During these sessions, they go over when the applications open, when they are due, information about each major, the prerequisite courses, and answer any questions you have. These are super helpful, and I personally went to one both in the fall and spring just to make sure I knew everything I needed to know about the process.
Even though the GPA is highly looked at, I still think it is so important to get involved on campus. I joined Woman in Business and became a Tour Guide during my freshman year. I have loved being a part of WIB and also got involved with the Marketing Committee during my freshman year. Anything you can join and become a part of is so important because Isenberg wants to see you involved in the community as well. I also think joining clubs and organizations is another way to make a big school feel small and you get to meet so many people.
The application itself is pretty simple. It opens on October 1st and closes on November 1st in the fall semester and opens April 1st and closes on May 1st in the spring semester. You can find the application on the Isenberg website and click the link that is for current UMass students to transfer. There you will fill in your basic information (Name, Spire ID, current major, etc.) and there is an optional essay and spot to upload your resume, so I definitely recommend doing both of those. The essay and resume are just a way for Isenberg to get to know you and also where you can show off your experiences and skills.
At the end of the day, no matter what major you pursue at UMass you will succeed, and I truly felt that coming here even as an Economics major. I hope this post gave you some insight on transferring and I wish you luck if you are planning on transferring in the next few semesters. You got this!