Is it my final GPA or pre-transfer GPA that matters more?

When transferring, do colleges focus more on your GPA before the transfer or just your GPA at the time of application? Trying to figure out what to emphasize in my application.

When transferring between colleges, both your current GPA at the time of application and your cumulative GPA (which includes your grades before the transfer) are important. However, your current GPA carries more weight as it's a recent reflection of your academic capabilities.

Colleges will certainly check how you've been doing after transferring schools, since your recent academic performance can be a good indicator of how you'll do at their institution. The current GPA can highlight your growth and your ability to adapt to new learning environments, so ensure it demonstrates your academic strengths.

That being said, don't disregard your cumulative GPA. The cumulative GPA represents your overall academic ability throughout your time in higher education. It's also important to remember that any large discrepancies between the two GPAs may warrant an explanation in your application or personal statement. For instance, if you had a lower GPA before transferring and it significantly increased after transferring, a brief explanation detailing your academic improvement would be beneficial. You could highlight changes you made to improve your academic standing, like developing better study habits or seeking tutoring.

Remember, academics are just part of the picture. Your extracurricular activities, essays, recommendation letters, and other elements of your application will also play a crucial role in the admission decision. So, it's not solely about emphasizing one GPA over another, but about showcasing your entire profile as a prospective student.