<p>Hey guys, I appreciate all the information I've been provided in the other forums thus far. This place is a great resources for confused students like myself!</p>
<p>I am a Community College student who is looking to transfer to the best possible public university with my current grades. My situation doesn't seem to fit the mold of most guides or information on this site. I come from a very poor educational state (Arizona) where I struggled throughout high school due to the situation in my home. I struggled so hard, in fact, that I had to take a heavy load all of senior year in order to graduate. My class (the class of 2006) was the first class in Arizona to take the standardized AIMS tests. The results were pretty dismal, and almost everyone had to retake at least 1 section.</p>
<p>Beyond high school, I have found myself at a local CC and become a much better student. Though I initially struggled freshman year, I show a very strong upward trend with great grades in classes that I struggled with in high school. My overall course load has been full time, though I have done summer courses in order to have more time during the fall semester. For the last 2 years I've also held down a full time job on top of my college work. I have paid my own way for the most part thus far. </p>
<p>Overall, I feel as though I have grown tremendously as a person. I feel ashamed for not doing better in high school, but I survived, and I am very proud of what I have done thus far. How do colleges evaluate transfers? I see quoted transfer rates & requirements, but coming from such an unusual situation (and a community college) I am unsure about my chances when applying to a public university.</p>
<p>I have completed what is called an AGEC-B in Arizona which guarantees entry to any of the three state universities. The CC I attend is in the Maricopa Community College district, which is a feeder system (and a good one at that) for the instate colleges. ASU, U of A, and NAU are all fine institutions but they are not what I am looking for. I am a Finance major and would like to get into the best program possible given my "chances." A change of location/situation (as in out of state) would also do my wonders for me, personally, at this point.</p>
<p>I should add that I come from a broken home and as such I will be considered a "needy" student for financial aid. Though I'm still waiting for my official SAR from the FAFSA form I was told I would be an "automatic zero" for EFC. Will this situation compromise or adversely (or positively?) affect my chances at getting into one of the better public universities? I have yet to find a true answer. I've saved quite a bit of money and have extended family that are willing to help if I get into a good school, so for now I am mainly worried about simply being accepted.</p>
<p>Arizona Resident
Overall GPA: 3.2 (78 credits)
"Transfer" GPA: 3.5+ (these are classes I would bring with me for credit)
**SAT: **1720 (CR:660 MAT:510 WR:550)</p>
<p>Poor scores, but my state (and high school) did not offer nor teach any sort of prep for these tests. The CR score shows, in my opinion, my natural ability at the time. In addition I have completed high level math courses at an A level to show that I have grown as a student. </p>
<p>**Associates Degree Completed<a href="ABUS">/B</a></p>
<p>I do not have any major "ECs" so to speak because I've been working full time, and did not have the ability/opportunity/drive in high school. </p>
<p>The following are colleges I am interested in, in no order of preference:</p>
<p>Michigan State
Penn State
University of Michigan
University of Virginia
University of Georgia
University of North Carolina
University of Illinois
University of Texas</p>
<p>I was also interest in FSU and Florida, but I do not have 4 years of a foreign language and that seems to be a requirement that is unavoidable. There are many particulars between these colleges, I know, but are any of them noted for being transfer-friendly or needy-friendly? With an associates degree and a 3.5 transfer GPA do I stand any sort of chance at getting into these schools? Again, I am a Finance major and would be applying to the business schools. At first glance I seem to meet the requirements (if they are even stated) but being a needy out of state student, I have no idea of my chances. </p>
<p>As stated before, I have a guaranteed safe with U of Arizona or ASU. I have visited both schools and have friends that have attended them. They are not my ideal situation, which is why I am looking for help. Any words of wisdom or shared personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. It has been a long journey thus far but with your help I hope to continue it! :)</p>