<p>I currently attend a CSU and have done pretty poorly, I'll be finishing with a 2.5 GPA at most. Due to a few different reasons, I'm moving back home to attend my local CC for sophomore year and then transfer out again. I also plan on taking two summer classes, as well as working my ass off for straight As. I definitely lacked discipline this year and have learned my lesson in a hard way.</p>
<p>My question is, how badly will this low GPA hinder me when I apply this fall? I'm planning on transferring to another CSU (no way I'm getting into a UC at this point) as a journalism major. Is a transfer application for CSUs similar to a freshman undergrad application, in the sense of essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, etc? Or is it just looking at your grades? Is there anything I can do as a transfer to boost myself a little better?</p>
<p>I cannot answer your questions about CSU applications, but in the transfer application process they do take into account your college grades, your high school grades, your essays, and your recs. If you can write a killer essay where you explain why your grade were so low (taking full accountability), that you decided you needed some time to further mature, that you now believe you have the skills you need to be successful student at another university, and why you believe that the new school can help you get to where you want to go - it is possible. If you pull off a 4.0 and your essay is great, I see no reason why it wouldn’t be possible. Good luck!</p>
<p>For Freshman application, didn’t you only have to fill out information? There weren’t any essays/recs? Because I applied 2 years ago. I’m pretty sure the transfer app is very similar. Also, I would really recommend to raise that GPA. Regardless where you go, if you want to transfer the higher the GPA, the higher chance you’ll get in. Also, check up on avg transfer rate and GPA for the schools you’re interested in (and also look into the major). For example, UCLA avg GPA for transfers is around a 3.7 but for a Bus/Econ major, the avg is a 3.94 ). Big difference. Hope I helped! Good luck!</p>