Dreading the Future

Transfer Students
1

<p>Please skip to the bottom for "TL;DR" version.</p>

<p>As a student in high school, I did it all; I was accepted into a competitive magnet program, filled my schedule with all AP and dual-enrollment courses, played two varsity sports and was an all-state band member, and held leadership roles in student organizations and clubs. My SATs were in the highest percentiles, having scored 800 Writing, 800 Verbal, and just over 700 Math. My GPA was heavily weighted (well above a 4.00) and I graduated second in my class. In the spring of my senior year, I was accepted into the University of Virginia and Brown. I chose UVA (couldn't beat the value of McIntire) and started as a student in the fall of 2006. This is where the story takes a horrible downturn.</p>

<p>I will spare the agonizing intricacies of my story, but I essentially was unprepared for a university atmosphere and performed poorly. I was forced to withdraw in the first semester and, due to external factors, found myself back at UVA in for the Spring semester (just as unprepared as before). I was disinterested, disconnected, and depressed. I stopped attending classes, and received five failing grades on my transcript. At this juncture, I was subject to academic suspension for a year. I worked full-time for a year, dragging myself through a variety of less than ideal circumstances and interactions, and appealed for readmission to UVA in the fall of 2008. My appeal was granted, and I started once again, only to fall into previous habits and fail miserably once again.</p>

<p>Now, as an adult of twenty three, I find myself trudging through mind-numbing coursework at a local CC, a result of my less-than-stellar previous academic history (after high school). I am currently taking three summer express courses (for the unfamiliar, these are 3 credit courses jammed into 6 weeks), with a schedule from hell--working full-time (Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM) and also a full-time student (Monday-Thursday 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM, as well as one course online). After completion of the summer session (having successfully persevered through six of these nightmare-inducing courses), my transcript from CC will be composed of nine As and I will be on pace to complete my AA in one year. My cumulative GPA, however, remains haunted by my indiscretions at UVA and therefore is now hovering just above a 2.00. </p>

<p>It has always been my dream to transfer to a top-tier business school (not necessarily Ivy League), but is it realistic that I will be able to fulfill such ambitions at this point in my life? I have learned from my past, but am I doomed to never live it down? Success stories from anyone in similar shoes (past or present) would be greatly appreciated.</p>

<p>TL;DR Version-</p>

<p>I was an Ivy League caliber high school prospect, chose a top-tier public university (UVA), and failed miserably. Since that time, I have refocused myself and managed to work full-time while remaining a full-time student with straight As (and on pace to complete my AA in one year at a local Community College). Do I have any chance in hell of getting back into a good university?</p>

<p>Thank you for taking the time to read and respond!</p>

2

<p>Of course you do!!! What you’ve accomplished in community college is much more than the average person could ever do. What you’ve done recently matters more than what you did in the past to many quality universities. I’m sure a few of them would still hold your past against you, but I think those are exceptions to the rule. And anyway, some schools let you explain why you did so poorly. :slight_smile: I would think your chances are excellent.</p>

3

<p>To me, it seems so unlikely that a top-tier school would even consider a Community College transfer applicant with a spotty academic history. Perhaps this is only a result of the attitude which was instilled in me while at UVA, but I am skeptical of my realistic outlook. I have considered all the angles, but didn’t believe the “learned from my mistakes” aspect (and current performance) could outweigh the obvious weaknesses of my previous transcripts. </p>

<p>Thank you for the words of encouragement; I am only trying to remain realistic in my analysis of the situation, so I welcome all views. I tend to be rather critical of myself, so positive words are often a godsend. Thanks!</p>