Fall 2015 community college transfer application

<p>I don't really have the traditional non-traditional story. I'm not a veteran, nor did I endure a family hardship, or run a large company. I've read a ton of non-traditional, lps, and gs threads and have been unable to find a situation similar to mine. </p>

<p>I am applying to both Columbia GS and Penn LPS for the fall 2015 semester. Im currently in the honors program at Community College of Philadelphia. I have a 3.67 over three semesters at CCP ( 18 credits total). Im taking five honors courses next semester (15 credits). Before coming to CCP I took a three year break where I lived abroad as well as managed and turned around a small business. Before my three year break from school I attended three schools over a four year period, with a sub 2.0 cumulative gpa (25~ classes).</p>

<p>I suffered from depression, and didn't address it during my first stint in college. Since leaving there has been noted success in the real world as well as in the classroom. My question is, is my body of work since returning to school strong enough to warrant serious consideration from the admissions committee? How much do they weigh previous grades (5-9 years old) versus the most recent? And do they offer conditional acceptance ( i.e. acceptance pending spring grades being above 3.x) or is it a straight admit/deny? </p>

<p>There are tons of students like you at GS, don’t worry. Although a 3.67 in recent grades isn’t fantastic, it’s not terrible either. </p>

<p>I think you more than have the “traditional non-traditional” story – What’s great about GS is that it doesn’t matter. There are plenty of people here straight out of high school (I’m looking at you, Sciences Po and JTS) who, more or less, have the “typical” Ivy League CC background. Likewise, there are 60+ y/o students who are grandparents, who are retired (I’m looking at you retired NYFD Chief), students who never had an opportunity to attend college for whatever reason, people who want to pursue a different career path (looking at you 60 y/o english professor completing requirements to apply to medical school (I’m not actually sure if they’re a GS student, though), or are here just because they can be. It doesn’t matter. We all live our lives in our own way. </p>

<p>What the admissions committee is interested in is what you’ve learned from your life experiences and how what you’ve learned make you a good fit for GS. How did you overcome your depression and what about overcoming that obstacle has made you a better person? What have you learned through your experiences that has allowed you go to from a <2.0 GPA to a 3.67 and continue that at GS?</p>

<p>When I was accepted, I hadn’t even completed my first quarter of community college. I had only taken a few courses throughout my time in the military with some good grades and some bad. I acknowledged those grades, along with my poor high school performance (at the time, 6 years prior), explained why they were what they were, and why they were a thing of the past. I recommend you explain your <2.0 and unless you have a C- or worse on your 3.67, I don’t think it needs explaining. </p>

<p>I think that showing growth and aptitude are the most important aspects of your application, although I have no insider information, so take that with a grain of salt. My SATs were old so I had to retake them – my new scores were significantly better. My LoR substantiated the growth I had experienced while outside of school and how I could apply those strengths in an Ivy League setting. Make sure your LoR reflect your strengths that will make you a fit for GS in a significant and sincere way.</p>

<p>I deferred admissions until my daughter was born and asked if I could continue at the community college until I was ready to move. They said yes and to maintain my grades. It wasn’t a warning but I imagine if you have a significant drop in GPA, it’d raise a few red flags.</p>

<p>I’m just completing my fourth semester at GS, so feel free to PM me if you have more questions. I have found that @campaigner and @hellojan, although I have no idea who they are, are very knowledgeable and helpful. I depended on their posts for solid, no bullshit information while I awaited my admissions decision.</p>

<p>TL;DR: Yes. Not much. I don’t think so. </p>

<p>I really appreciate the feedback @campaigner‌ and @sean8448. I have four A’s and two B’s. Both B’s were during summer courses. I tried to contest one with the department head. My grade dropped from an A to a B because I missed a class because I was sick. I emailed my assignment before class, but he still gave me a zero. I don’t think its worth mentioning in the essay or anything. I have A’s in more difficult classes and I think my LORs will be strong enough. The head of the honors department and another honors professor are writing my LORs. I was told that they highlight both the students strengths and weaknesses, but it should be strong enough to put me in the yes pile initially. </p>

<p>However I did bomb the SATs a few months ago, like 500’s across the board bombed. Each section was lower than what I scored ten years ago and a good 150 points lower than the practice tests. Is it worth retaking?</p>

<p>I wouldn’t recommend explaining any A or B grade, especially not for something like that. It’s insignificant in the grand scheme of things and it would more than likely come across as immature and petty. </p>

<p>Anyway, I STRONGLY recommend that you retake the SATs. It’s worth it if it you get accepted into Columbia, isn’t it? </p>

<p>And really – life experience. I can’t stress enough how important this is to GS. Make your time away from school into strengths. Don’t worry about your B grades – it’s not the end of the world and you can’t change the past.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>