Hello all,
I’m a 33 year old white male. I was thinking of applying to GS for a second bachelors degree in computer science. My first degree was from UCLA in English, although I did very poorly, (2.9 GPA).
I was an officer in the US Navy for a short time, but left because I failed to earn my surface warfare officer pin, (not sure if I should bring this up or not in my essay). I had an honorable discharge. I know Columbia GS loves veterans, so I was hoping this would help me out a bit, especially because my stats are not good 
I spent a semester at Columbia’s School of Professional Studies, with the intent of “proving myself” by earning good enough grades to enter their post bacc premed program. I earned two B’s, in Calculus I and Chem I.
I left because of money issues, and the fact that I didn’t think I had what it took to do well in med school (much less get in). It was a long shot from the very beginning, and was ultimately a poor decision.
I’ve spent the last 2 years since I left the Navy at community college and taking computer science “coding boot camp” online. I’ve earned A’s in Calc I, II, and III. I have two letters of recommendation from my community college professors.
I made an appointment with an admissions councilor, and he told me not to worry too much about my low GPA, but instead, focus on making the very long essay as good as possible.
I know this is a long shot, but I would love to go back to NYC and earn a second bachelors degree. I’m struggling to find work without a 4 year degree in computer science.