<p>Immediately after high school I enrolled in school and took about 5 classes over the course of three semesters before dropping out. Now at age 23 I want to go back and make a serious effort at getting a degree. However the majority of the grades I recieved in those classes wouldnt reflect positively on me as a transfer student if I apply to a college now. Is it possible (or preferable) to just apply as a brand new incoming freshman at my school(s) of choice? I would lose the credits I already have but its only a few and sacrifice im willing to make.</p>
<p>One concern that I do have is that several of the schools I am considering require documents such as teacher and counselor recomendations. Im not sure that any of the teachers or counselors I had when in high school are still there or if they would remember me even if they are. What can I do about this?</p>
<p>Let me add that in High School I maintained around a 3.2 GPA all four years and had numerous AP courses. My high school transcript would look much better on paper than any college transcript I can produce.</p>
<p>Sorry, but the college classes are part of your permanent record and all colleges require you to report it. There is a nontraditional students forum under the Specialty Admissions section, you can browse to see if there is previous discussion on what is likely a common situation.</p>
No, its not possible. Every college is going to require you to send transcripts from all previous colleges attended. In case you think that “forgetting” is an option, there is a national database that will reveal any deception and being caught will result in your acceptance being revoked.</p>
<p>However that does not mean you are without hope. Its a little late in the game to apply for next Fall, but some colleges have separate programs to evaluate students applying as nontraditional applicants. You need to check with the colleges you are considering. It might be worth a phone call if its not listed on their website, because this is such a small program relative to regular admissions the fact it isn’t on the webpage doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. </p>
<p>Calling a few schools is probably a good idea anyway. I suspect that even if they have a separate non-traditional program they will recommend you take some classes at a local CC in order to show them you are capable of college-level work. And the CC route for the 1st 2 years of college may be the way to go, anyway. It is more routine for colleges, especially state colleges, to consider transfers from the CC system. That would give you a chance to build up an academic record and shake off the rust from your study habits.</p>