Early HS grad with unexpected life turn around shortly after.

Applying to College
1

When I was sixteen years old, I took the CHSPE and left high school after my first semester of junior year. I am now seventeen years old, completing my third semester of junior (community) college. When I started at community college, I had intended on taking two classes to start and then picking up more for the semesters to come. However, right at the end of my first, spring semester, my mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. I didn’t want to completely quit school, so I took two classes my second semester, and two classes my third and current.

I suppose my dilemma is that I only have about 20 transfer credits, assuming I pass this third semester, and that it has taken me more time than I would have liked. Unfortunately, my grades have somewhat taken a toll as well. Three Bs and a C. The school I would like to transfer to is Cal Poly SLO and I just feel like I took a huge hit and the only thing I have going for me is the excuse that my mother’s illness prevented me from doing my best.

To me, the most sensible solution is to let the personal situation smooth over and pass, and then kick it into high gear next semester to show a real turn around after her death. If anyone else has input, it would be greatly appreciated.

2

You have a solid plan. It will be much easier to apply for transfer on the merits of a strong final semester at your current school. The alternative is having to convince admissions that recent evidence is not a true indicator of your full potential. That would not be impossible, but it would certainly be difficult.

Your intended school’s transfer admissions are sufficiently selective to make firming up your GPA before applying a wise approach.

Best of luck, and my condolences for your loss.