<p>I have reached the time in my first enlistment where you get to make all those big life decisions all over again. I've got about nine months left in the Marine Corp and am attempting to make a decision on school and my chances of getting admitted into a university. Prior to enlisting, I spent three semesters at Christopher Newport University in VA where I subsequently destroyed my GPA. Can my work with the military offset my lack of commitment in college?</p>
<p>Some more information:</p>
<p>High School:
-GPA 3.2
-SAT 1280 640/640 (This was back in 03 I think. Not sure how the conversion works for the New SAT or even if my score would be useful this far gone)
-AP Calculus Score: 5
-Extracurricular:
---President of Latin Club
---First Chair Clarinet section
---Eagle Scout</p>
<p>College:
-GPA 1.2 (withdrawing from classes probably would have been a better option once I decided on the military)</p>
<p>Maine Corp:
-0311 Infantryman
-ASVAB Score: 98 GT Score: 142 (doubt this means much to a collegiate but its significant within my current circles)
-Corporal possibly Sergeant by the end of my first enlistment
-Martial Arts Instructor
-Took two online courses while on Active Duty and received A's in both
-Held Squad Leader's Billet</p>
<p>I have read, I believe on this site, that going back to school and improving your GPA is a sign of a positive trend. I did well with my online courses but do no think that two classes constitutes a "trend." </p>
<p>I understand that community college for a year or two would probably be the most viable option for me to return to college, but I was wondering if a decent University would be within my grasp. And if this is the case, would you have any suggestions as to applying for schools?</p>
<p>I am currently looking for schools in Southern California. UCLA, CSU, USC and other public Universities in the area. My knowledge of Southern California schools is very limited. I was raised in VA and never really looked much into the West coast so any other suggestions for schools would also be appreciated.</p>
<p>You might want to see if you can take the SAT’s over again because the scores are so old. If you explain in interviews and essays how the military has changed your outlook on life/ work/ school then colleges might understand your GPA. Coming from service in general probably helps make up for a lot. I’d try to find out if there are any specific schools where a lot of recent Vets in similar situations go, I’m sure colleges look very favorably on students like you.</p>
<p>SAT scores are only valid for 5 years, so those are too old. </p>
<p>I don’t think any school will look at you as a regular freshman. You’ll either apply as a transfer or as a non-traditional student. Both of those classifications usually have special application requirements (that vary by school) and only sometimes need an SAT score. So you need to target some schools, then take a look at their admission requirements. I would actually call the admissions office to see if they have any information specific to your situation.</p>
<p>Thank you for the help.</p>
<p>I was afraid I’d have to take the SAT again. Its amazing how quickly guns and bombs replace grammar and calculus. Will be interesting.</p>
<p>Any suggestions as to how I should pitch the situation? Really other than the moderate successes of high school, the Marine Corp I think is probably my biggest selling point. But is Higher Education really interested in how I might fix and flank an enemy? An infantryman’s skill set is diverse, but not exactly academic. Other than leadership experience, as well as life experience, what might look good on an application? Do not think that I’m selling myself short. My Marine Corp experience has been fantastic and in my opinion notable, but what suggestions do you all have on how to make an Admissions Office feel the same?</p>
<p>I think the best way to sell yourself is as having learned the things you might have missed in school while in the Military. Focus on the development of logical and reasoning skills, ability to handle pressure, negotiate with others and form intelligent opinions. All of those seem like things you’ve probably developed, as well as personal and social skills colleges value. Also, taking courses online while in active duty is incredibly impressive to me and I don’t know how it could be less than amazing to earn high marks while still being concerned with all the dangers of war. I think that helps show that you are an intelligent person, and that you are able to succeed in rigorous classes. I would apply instate to some VA schools since it’s a huge advantage and there are some great schools there. OOS is harder to get into when dealing with state universities.
If the schools you’re interested in have an ROTC/ other military geared program it might be helpful to contact the leaders of that program and let them know your situation. They can help you through the process as well as talk to admissions and put in a good word about you and the work you’ve done.</p>
<p>I hadn’t thought about asking the ROTC for help. I’ll look into that. As for instate tuition. Virginia, to my great despair, will probably not be an option for me. My current family situation will probably keep me in California. That suits me just fine, but does limit options a little bit. </p>
<p>But how would residence work in this situation? My family have physically lived in CA for two years by the time I am able to return to school. However, my home of record is still VA. Its where my pay-check disappears to in taxes every couple weeks (which comes full circle to pay me again). My understanding of most schools is proof of residence must be established for a year and one day in the state in question. Can proof be a cable bill in my name? Or are we looking for a more official document like a driver’s liscense, voter registration, etc etc?</p>