Applying as a CC transfer student after major life change, is it worth it?

<p>Hey guys. I was a pretty ok high school student back in class of '09 with 3.5 UW/ 4.2 GPA, Junior Olympian, National Merit Finalist/ National Hispanic Scholar, 2090 SAT, only 3 AP's (all 5's in Art History, 2D, and Drawing), but good ECs/ community service. I never planned on attending a university as I was set on the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, which I went on to attend. Less than a year into it, though, I had a medical emergency and financial issues forcing me to leave.</p>

<p>I then entered a deep, dark depression, failed out of a state school, and battled a meth addiction. Completely lost my way. Ended up giving up on college altogether and taught myself to code and began supporting myself as a freelance web developer.</p>

<p>Then, just over a year ago, I was diagnosed with HIV. Faced with my own mortality, I finally snapped out of the darkness I had let into my life for the last three years. Life had purpose again because I no longer took it for granted. I began volunteering for a local HIV/AIDS organization and enrolled in community college. I currently have a 4.0 (!!!) and would like to transfer to Stanford next school year to study computer science and philosophy. I worry that my decent high school performance and great CC performance isn't enough to make up for essentially two years of failing... everything. Obviously everyone's chances are slim as a transfer, but I am aware that Stanford likes CC transfers and compelling stories, both of which I have. Since I only applied to one school in high school, the competitive college application process is relatively new to me, and I was hoping you could let me know if my situation warrants the time spent on a transfer application. Thank you! </p>

<p>PS- My grandfather attended and was the quarterback for their football team, I don't know if legacy counts for anything anymore.</p>

<p>Also- I’d be 24 when entering as a junior, does that make me a non-traditional applicant?</p>

<p>I don’t know much about transfer admissions but to answer the question “is it worth it” - you won’t get in if you don’t apply! The worst thing that can happen is you don’t get in and end up somewhere else.</p>