<p>Hi everybody,</p>
<p>It's my first time really playing around on these forums, so I apologize if this is a common question, but I could really use some advice/insight and I'm not sure who else to ask.</p>
<p>Long story short: I'm 26 now. When I was 18/19, I was a troubled youth, misguided, depressed, etc. In short, a horrible student. I of course take responsibility, and I'm trying to work with what I've got now. I dropped out, traveled, had a lot of good and bad experiences, and grew up quite a bit. Honestly, I never saw myself returning to college...until I had a revelation of sorts, that I was jealous of my peers who had, and that I wanted to make something more of myself. </p>
<p>With my new, mature mind, I returned. In the two semesters of being full time since returning (community college), I've had a 4.0, started a successful public speaking club on campus, have done an excellent job of networking with my professors and fellow students - in all way, shapes, and forms, I feel like a 4.0 student on his way to big things. I know that my personal statement will shine, my accomplishments away from school will stand out, my letters of recommendations will be superb, and my leadership skills definitely demonstrated.</p>
<p>However, those poor grades from the past are still there, and my GPA is much less impressive than my turnaround. When I apply to transfer universities this coming spring, I will have a 3.19 GPA. Living in San Francisco, I'm sure I'd get into SFSU with that GPA, but that school doesn't excite me, and frankly, I've been dreaming much bigger ever since my return to academia. I'm sure the general consensus is that I'd have no chance at any Ivy League schools, but that's not going stop me from applying - I can handle being told no, but I can't handle not trying. </p>
<p>I just don't know how feasible it is to hope that, not just Ivy League schools, but any "reputable" schools would accept me with that GPA, regardless of the story I have that goes along with it. Will they consider me beyond that GPA, or would they not even get to reading my statement and recommendations? If it helps, I am flexible with my major of choice, and likely would not be applying to any impacted majors - I am thinking something along the lines of Portuguese Literature, as my long term plans involve dealings with Brazil. </p>
<p>Sorry for the long post. I hope someone out there might have some input. </p>
<p>Sincerely thankful for your time,
Justin</p>