Chance me, please: I'm just trying to go to college.

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I know they aren’t the usual reaches for this forum, but I do not have a good GPA. I struggled with severe illness that required lengthy hospitalizations and travel around the US for treatment all throughout high school, which has led to my transcript being polluted by D’s and F’s in addition to being credit deficient. I withdrew from traditional high school last summer and enrolled in an equivalency diploma program instead. I did score extremely high on the GED tests I’ve taken so far, but I’m nervous colleges will only see the stigma of being a “drop out.” I don’t have anything extremely crazy or ambitious on my shortlist. In fact, I’d probably cry from relief if I got accepted into any four-year at all.

Here are my pertinent stats:
-3.10 cGPA (Honors 1 in sophomore year with a 3.8 but then it plummeted)
-Ranked 117 out of 238 seniors
-One Honors English class but otherwise all regular-level academics
-2 D’s and 2 F’s throughout high school
-Projected 31-34 ACT (testing April 14)
-4.0 GPA in EMT-B course at my local tech school
-Top 2% GED test scores in the nation
-Considered an ORM in most states…sigh

My EC’s aren’t amazing, either:
-Wrote, directed, and produced several short films and documentaries
-Placed second at state-level Forensics tournament
-Part time job (20 hours/week) in fast food
-Hobbyist musician and volunteer at local music ed nonprofit
-Trainee volunteer on geriatric delirium rehabilitation unit

What’s really worrying me is the horrible general impression of my transcript and that cGPA (my chest!) Almost every school on my list is above my GPA range but my projected ACT score is several points higher than their 75th percentiles; so much so that even if my score was below anticipated I would be atypical in that regard. I am also in a financial pinch but ineligible for an application fee waiver, so I’ve just been applying to free-to-apply colleges plus every school I could badger into waiving the fee themselves.

Reach schools:
-Allegheny College (25 ACT, 3.69 GPA, 68% acceptance rate)
-Stetson University (26 ACT, 3.86 GPA, 63% acceptance rate)
-Gustavus Adolphus College (27 ACT, 3.60 GPA, 67% acceptance rate)

Match schools:
-Elmhurst College (24 ACT, 3.38 GPA, 55% acceptance rate)
-Benedictine University (22 ACT, 3.22 GPA, 79% acceptance rate)
-Marshall University (22 ACT, 3.50 GPA, 88% acceptance rate)

Safety Schools:
-Lynn University (21 ACT, 3.07 GPA, 76% acceptance rate)
-UConn Bridgeport (21 ACT, 2.93 GPA, 52% acceptance rate)
-Barry University (19 ACT, 3.14 GPA, 55% acceptance rate)

What are my odds?

2

Dude… I’m so sorry about what you just went through. But overall, I think colleges are understanding of these issues. The fact that you test well proves you have the aptitude to succeed in college. I honestly think if you go to any college for 1 year, you can potentially transfer into a very good school (I mean, better than the reaches on your list).

Your best bet is to call the admissions department at some colleges you’re interested in. Explain to them your situation. Admissions departments are VERY nice and are receptive to these kind of concerns, and they will be able to guide you on what you should do better than any poster on this website. You’re in a very unique situation because of your backstory.

I don’t think any college will see you as a ‘drop out.’ That’s ridiculous. The fact that you have traveled the US seeking medical treatment speaks more about determination and perserverence than any GPA, resume, etc can speak of.

One of the great things about standardized tests is that they serve as an ‘equalizer.’ Students who have unnormal backgounds can show your aptitude because these tests compare your skills to the entire nation’s.

And quite honestly your ECs are fantastic!

Seriously, good luck. You seem like a determined person and I admire you for getting through what you have gone through recently. Honestly though, call the colleges and seek guidance.

3

I agree with Savage101. Seriously, I think you have a story to tell, and you will convey that through your essays. You’ve worked hard, you’ve done the best that you can, and you’ve researched the colleges. You will do fine.

Keep testing for that 31-34 ACT and I believe you will get into the majority of your schools, even reaches. Good luck!

4

My guess is that you’ll get into Allegheny and Gustavus Adolphus, and if they’re affordable you can choose either one and have a great college to attend.
You could try and add Wooster, Augustana IL, Beloit, Hendrix. I think they’re free to apply. Those would be good too and it’d be for the purpose of financial aid packages in case neither Allegheny nor Gustavus are affordable.

5

My boyfriend and I are seniors this year. He only has a 2.9 gpa and a 1070 on the SAT. He already got into Rider University, Xavier University, and University of Scranton so far. I feel like especially if you have a good standardized test score and are able to somewhat explain your situation, you’ll be fine.