I’m hoping that some of you knowledgeable folks here could point me in the direction of some schools that have solid academics, academic reputations, and that would put more weight on my current grades than grades 15+ years old. I’m pursuing a second degree in computer science and would like to minor in physics. Majoring in physics and minoring in computer science or double majoring in both are also options. (I’m interested in scientific computing and nanotechnology)
The college I currently attend stopped allowing minors and double majors this past year (my first year, and hopefully my last) when a new academic dean was hired. She said if the double major (or minor associated with a certain major) wasn’t specifically listed in the college catalog that it couldn’t be done; only a few official double majors exist, and I don’t ever remember any minors being offered at all, anyway, off the top of my head.
But, even if double majoring could be done my school only offers Physics I and II. Yep, that’s all. This isn’t the only reason I want to transfer; there are other academic and “fit” reasons, but this is one of the biggies. I can’t get where I want to go from this school. It is imperative that I transfer. But, here’s the deal…
My CGPA, including my current grades, is an abysmal 2.4 on a 4.0 scale. My current CGPA from the school I attend now is 3.6 on a 4.0 scale. During my first degree, which I earned 15 years ago, I developed an autoimmune disease. A serious one that people can and do die from. It went undiagnosed for 12 years; I was out of college 4 years before finally being diagnosed and starting treatment. So, I’m trying to find schools to apply to for transfer admissions that will put more/all weight on my current grades. Can anyone help me out by pointing me in the direction of some schools?
Don’t worry about cost, location, etc. I just need names. I’ll do the weed out process, etc. Thanks.
Double major isn’t really necessary usually anyway, and certainly not minors. You can always just take the relevant coursework. I guess every school will consider your current grades more strongly if you have enough of them to make an impression. Why did you enroll if they don’t have enough physics classes anyway? There are hundred of colleges. You need to narrow from the start. I would start with what is instate, so what state are you? Some don’t admit for 2nd degree though and I’m not well versed enough to make that call to name colleges.
@BrownParent, when I started the CS program I had no intention of double majoring or minoring in anything else. It’s only as I progressed through the courses and started learning about the different subfields of CS, and reading more about the industry, that I started developing an interest in scientific computing and/or nanotechnology. When I researched what was needed for these subfields I realized that my school didn’t offer what was needed. That’s not a shortcoming on my part. And, no, not all schools place more emphasis on newer grades. Some schools will not care that there’s a 15 year gap between the old and new GPAs. I’ve already talked to some who take this position.
The only people who can tell you whether or not the old ugly grades will affect the transfer admission process are the folks in the transfer admission offices at the places you apply to. So have a direct conversation with them. Your old grades are 15+ years old, so that means you are at least in your 30’s now. When you approach the transfer admissions offices and/or the non-traditional students offices, remember that you are a full-qualified grown up. Be straight with them about what you want out of your education, and ask them whether their institution can work for you. If it can’t, move on.
Wishing you all the best!
That’s exactly how I’m approaching it. But, I posted here hoping someone would have insider knowledge and be able to point me at specific schools (in addition to my own search) just to help streamline the process. Thanks!