College list for 2.5 student?

Parents Forum
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<p>I just posted this in the "College Search" section, but thought I'd do so here also since this is the only forum I ever go to! Sorry if I'm breaking any CC guidelines, not my intent.</p>

<p>Having just gone through the process with my S, have now offered to help a friend's son. Not great grades, a few D's and probably a 2.5ish gpa. He's a senior this year, and no testing yet, so we'll start with that. </p>

<p>He's a fabulous kid, but his mom died 2 years ago after a brutal 4 year fight with cancer, and he and the rest of the family were understandably rocked by it. His dad did not go to college and is at a loss for what to do, but is supportive of him attending.</p>

<p>Is in California, so CC is an option, but when I said there may be four year colleges open to him, you would have thought I'd offered up the moon. </p>

<p>Any ideas of where to start? I know the "slackers" on CC are the 3.0 kids (mine was one), but this kid's grades are a step below that, no AP's, football was the EC until this year, worked hard all summer in construction, so he's very industrious.</p>

<p>Would appreciate some options if you know of any.</p>

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<p>You will probably get better ideas from others on your side of the country, but as a former community college counselor who did her graduate degree at a lower tier state school, I can tell you that a lot of kids with what CC sees as slacker grades can and do go to 4-year schools and succeed. I also have experience with what the effects of a long-term terminal illness can be on a family. My sister’s family is still trying to pull themselves together after her death nearly 4 years ago. </p>

<p>I think that it is hard to give answers without knowing more about the young man. Standardized test scores would be a help. Does he plan to take either the ACT or SAT soon (still time to register for the OCT SAT)? What are his interests and/or strengths? What type of classes has he taken in high school? Maybe a community college would be a good place to start especially if he does some research and knows that he can transfer with a good record.</p>

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<p>I realize there’s not a lot of information available. He’s worked in construction all summer (his dad is a contractor), so he’s familiar with that, played football so that would be a draw, but didn’t think college was an option for him, so hasn’t focused on what he’d like to do. Hopefully he will sign up for the October SAT; if not, he’s not interested enough, but I’m trying to give him some viable options for him to get excited about. He wants to meet with me with his transcripts, so I’ll have a better idea, but I do now there’s a strong upward trend. Just looking for ideas.</p>

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<p>Arizona State (ASU), maybe. Once he takes the SATs, it will be easier to assess.</p>

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<p>Your friend will have trouble with those D’s since CSU’s and UC’s do not accept D’s. Are private schools an option? I think some may allow D’s but I’m not entirely sure.</p>

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<p>I know UC’s are out, but didn’t realize a “D” disqualified students from CSU’s. Yes, private schools are an option, fortunately.</p>

<p>I have ASU on a preliminary list, along with University of Montana.</p>

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<p>I think Notre Dame de Namur University has an average GPA of 2.9. I don’t know about their policy with D’s but you may want to investigate. It is located in Belmont, CA.</p>

<p>I think the SAT registration deadline for the Oct SAT is Sept 9th. Then there is a Nov testing date too but he may want to prep some before the test. If SAT’s are not something he wants to prep for, or he doesn’t do well, he can look at the SAT-optional schools. Notre Dame and most privates in CA require either the SAT or ACT.</p>

<p>I’d just recommend double-checking on the out-of-state publics (Montana, Arizona) policies on having D’s in core courses.</p>

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<p>Northern California or Southern California? Would a school with a “religious tinge” (that is, not a full blown religious school) be all right with him?</p>

<p>If so, and if his SAT scores show that he has enough foundation/preparation, I would look at Cal Baptist and Azusa Pacific in Southern California. A good SAT score, an explanation by GC and essays by student could make some headway with a lower GPA.</p>

<p>Eligibility Index for Cal States:</p>

<p>[CSUMentor</a> - Plan for College - High School Students - Eligibility Index - California Residents](<a href=“Cal State Apply | CSU”>GPA Calculator | CSU)</p>

<p>A 2.5 GPA would require a 900 SAT total (M/CR) in order to be eligible for a CSU. Of course, different CSUs and different majors within a CSU are competitive and would require much higher GPA and test scores to actually get in. I would concentrate on those CSUs that aren’t the popular or well known ones with kids…research Humboldt, Sonoma, Channel Islands, East Bay, Monterrey Bay, Dominquez Hills. Unfortunately, I only know the popular ones for Southern California…but maybe others may be able to help.</p>

<p>Of course, this assumes that he’s taken the courses required for admission to CSU. After you look at the transcript, you’ll be able to compare it to CSU requirements and see if he’s taken the classes required. If not, CSUs could be off the table. </p>

<p>I did a quick look on the CSU Mentor website and didn’t see that having any Ds would disqualify you from being admitted to a CSU. However, because of budget cuts, CSUs could be looking to push kids down to the CCs, so for practical purposes, a D could very well be a deal killer. Won’t know until you talk to an admissions person in the CSU you’d be interested in applying to.</p>

<p>Thinking about other out of state publics that kids in our neighborhood have attended, I’d look at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Montana State University, and Southern Utah University (in Cedar City). </p>

<p>He can register late for the Oct SAT until Sep 23. </p>

<p>My question is whether he really is ready for a 4 year college. I guess his 1st semester grades will give him an idea whether he really should start at CC.</p>

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<p>Obviously, good scores can open some doors (I strongly suggest he take a test prep course and both the SATs and ACT to increase the chance of one good score). </p>

<p>If he is even a decent football player, you may be surprised how many schools which do not give football scholarships give significant admission preference to kids who will try out for the team–including many schools which boast about their academics, not their sports.
In the Northeast, I would have names; sorry I can’t in the West.</p>

<p>Is there an guidance counselor at his high school to give him a pep talk? </p>

<p>And I strongly urge him to talk in interviews and his essays about the impact of his mom’s death on his grades.</p>

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<p>I want to second Montana State. We really liked the wholesome, friendly vibe on campus. Bozeman is a nice college town with lots of outdoor activities and the views from campus are gorgeous. My S received merit $ based solely on SAT scores as he had a less than stellar gpa. He ultimately chose a different school but we know several very happy MSU students. Agriculture, Business and Engineering are some of the better programs.</p>

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<p>My-3-sons: Wholesome and friendly describe the 2 girls that I know who are attending MSU to the T! Plus, MSU isn’t on the radar of most California (or other) kids. These girls were recruited to play sports–that is how they became acquainted with the school.</p>

<p>Visits may be required to get this kid interested enough to consider schools that are off the beaten path. But some real gems can be found–schools that might be more amenable to taking a chance with a kid with a splotchy transcript.</p>

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<p><a href=“Cal State Apply | CSU”>Cal State Apply | CSU;

<p>See page 4 for information about requirement of grades of C or better.</p>

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<p>Northern Arizona, maybe?</p>

<p>Also, I don’t know what he’s looking for, but U Montana might be an option as well. Does he have any thoughts of preferred major, etc.?</p>

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<p>Take a look at University of Nebraska/Lincoln.</p>

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<p>For some smaller schools: how about Whittier College, California Lutheran University, St. Mary’s College of California… agree with Notre Dame de Namur (above).</p>

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<p>There are some pretty good programs being developed at various CCs that center on green jobs. If he is pretty computer savy he might look into GIS programs. Construction wise there are drafting and other related programs that focus on the green construction industry, especially in CA. Wind energy and solar also come to mind. Often a dedicated and talented individual can easily rise up through the ranks at these types of jobs. Maybe securing one of them and then finishing school down the road could be an option?</p>

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<p>Montana State has a terrific engineering program. Boeing has had a relationship with university for years. </p>

<p>

[Montana</a> State University Advisor Newsletter](<a href=“http://www.montana.edu/international/isss/advisor_news_winter06.htm]Montana”>http://www.montana.edu/international/isss/advisor_news_winter06.htm)</p>

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<p>If the D’s are in any required courses it can be a problem. My son did not get into Sonoma State. We were all shocked. His GPA was around a 3.3 and his combined M/V Sat score was a 1270. These should have put him in a good position. When the denial came in the mail we inquired and the answer was that the D in one semester of a required Biology course made him ineligible for admittance. 2nd semester grade was a B, didn’t matter. But two other CSU’s were willing to overlook the D.
Northern Arizona would be a good place to look. They are part of the Western State tuition exchange. And even if he is not eligible for the exchange out of state tuition is reasonable. They also offer a wide range of majors. I think some even in the construction field. My son applied in July and had his acceptance and offer of out of state scholarship by the first week of Sept. This was with the D and a lower SAT score. Since he applied before he had retaken the test in Oct.</p>

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<p>Whats the matter with a union based apprentice program?</p>

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<p>Would you be willing to say which CSUs were willing to overlook? And which other CSUs you think would be willing to overlook a D in the a-g required classes?</p>