Chances for Transferring to CU Boulder from an In-State Community College? Criminal Record & 3.7 GPA

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Colorado
1

Hi,

In my last semester of community college, getting ready to transfer. All I ask for is honesty. What are my chances?
Here’s my info:

  • Major: Philosophy
  • Cumulative GPA: 3.7 (4.0 Term GPA for the last 4 semesters, 4.0 GPA in major coursework)
  • 44 college credits total
  • 1 Letter of Rec from Philosophy professor
  • A good admission essay
  • I will (intend is an understatement) get an MA in Philosophy.

I should add–CU Boulder has a great, nationally-ranked undergraduate philosophy program, but it’s consistently been one of their more under-enrolled programs since the last recession. This would seem to work in my favor?

So far so good, BUT…

  • ECs: None (living off of loans, grants, scholarships, and studying 10 hours per day)
  • I don't have a high school diploma, I have a GED. [My GED test scores were considerably better than average but not above the 75th percentile. In my defense--if it helps my case--I was truant for most of my high school career.]
  • My cumulative high school GPA was something like 1.6. I was also expelled for possession of marijuana.
  • Criminal Record: Deferred Judgment and Sentencing for Contributing to the Delinquincy of a Minor (this is my foremost concern) [This charge is normally a felony; but since it was my first, they allowed me to plea down to 'deferred judgment.' Essentially, the prosecutor drops the charge from a felony to 'deferred judgment' once one fulfills the terms of a punitory agreement--typically, probation, drug tests, community service, etc. I use to sell weed to 16-year-olds in a well-to-do neighborhood when I was 17-20 y/o. I did okay. My mom was unemployed for more than a year prior to me beginning, and I couldn't afford our living expenses working 80 hours a week on minimum wage. I regret the decision; in hindsight, there were alternatives.]
  • I failed 5 college classes my 2nd and 3rd semester. I have made them up with all As. My CC's policy is to replace the failing grade with the passing grade. The arc of improvement in my performance since that time, in my opinion, should rule out any doubt concerning my future performance. My professors and advisors agree--however, I don't know how an admissions officer will see it, and/or my professors and advisors were trying not to put me down. [This is when I was selling weed, probably significantly depressed, unmotivated, and had been high on hydroponically grown kush 24 hours a day for 8 years.]

I haven’t used drugs or alcohol since I got arrested two years ago. Anybody who knows me will avow that I am an entirely different person.

Thanks,
sorrymom

2

You have a good GPA for a CU school. I got into CU Denver with a 3.8, I believe. I don’t think they’ll hold it against you if you have a GED, either.

However as you said, the criminal record is going to make getting in anywhere more challenging. But you also have a chance to explain how the entire experience made you grow as a person in an amazing essay and an interview, if CU is now offering them. [I went several years ago, so I can’t say.] That’s great that you’re confident in your essay. I would also spend time discussing how CU Boulder will help you specifically in attaining your goals - i.e., naming a faculty member(s) who stands out to you and referring to their specific offerings.

3

Hi Starflower,

Your advice is well taken. Did you transfer from a community college?

Thanks for the response.

4

So your GPA is good but keep in mind that CU Boulder’s transfer admissions rate is lower than the general admissions rate. CU Denver might be a better fit for you, but best of luck either way!

5

Hi @liberalarts2018

Thanks for the response.

Why should ‘CU Denver be a better fit for me’? I have done research on both schools.

6

@sorrymom This link might be helpful. It compares the two CU schools. http://colleges.startclass.com/compare/659-662/University-of-Colorado-Denver-Anschutz-Medical-Campus-vs-University-of-Colorado-Boulder

According to that link, as well as a few other sources I checked, it’s actually harder to get into CU Denver. I imagine that because they admit fewer freshmen per year, they would also be more selective about transfers. Also, if I could go back in time, I would easily choose the Boulder campus (which I visited) than the Denver location. I did transfer in community college credits, as well as credits from another 4-year university.

7

Hi @starflower007

Thanks for the info!

CU Denver certainly admits fewer students than CU Boulder, but I’m not sure we can say that the reason is it’s harder to be admitted. That would depend more, I think, on the relative strength of admitted applicants. I think the general consensus is Denver is better for pre-med, Boulder for engineering and physics. For philosophy, however, Boulder is a no-brainer. Their philosophy program is nationally-ranked and among the best in the world for specialization in Ethics. They also have a concurrent BA-MA program which Denver unfortunately lacks.

Boulder is a great town and the campus is beautiful, but if it weren’t for the opportunities, I might choose Denver instead. The campus culture is probably better suited for non-traditional students and the cost of living isn’t as high.