<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I am in the middle of a 4 year contract serving within the US Army. I have just over 2 years left, and I've been rigorously researching colleges to attend once I get out. The Post 9/11 bill is just outstanding - I can't believe how great the benefits are. I get really excited about returning to school. So, here's the kicker...</p>
<p>I am a little older than your average enlisted soldier (24), and spent years dwindling through college while getting heavily distracted by women, partying, and work (yes, I liked working more than going to school). So, I joined the Army to get my head on straight and get disciplined. And, not to my surprise, it really has whipped me into shape. I did a complete 180 with my life and the way i discipline myself. Never before have I been so excited to study and push myself. Well, the downside is while studying at The University of Texas San Antonio, I didn't do much to help myself. My GPA is a pathetic 2.2. Yeah, don't judge me...I know. </p>
<p>However, I'm currently enrolled at the University of Maryland University Center which is active duty specialized university; works with our hectic schedules. So, I plan on knocking out at least 20-30 credits for the remainder of my time. I have taken one class so far (had to pay off debt first before I started taking classes again), and gotten an A. I am FULLY confident in my ability to succeed and do well in college now. </p>
<p>So, I think I'll be able to get my GPA up to probably around 2.4-2.5 if I am lucky. I took so many classes and dropped so many that it hurt my overall GPA raise-ability (is that a word?). I know I will be able to get into some recognized universities like Texas State, or Texas Tech (Texas is my home). But, most of the colleges like this have minimum GPA requirements to get into their business schools (my area of study). For example Texas Tech is I think a 2.75. Are they super strict on this? </p>
<p>I feel like if they took the time to listen to my story and see my turn around and success they would put their trust in me. I have had really high hopes of attending TCU, but their business school is even harder to get into. I am slightly discouraged, but I won't give up. I am dedicated to making my future great. I can't go to community college because I've nearly exhausted all my core studies (I will have about 80 credits once I'm out of the Army). And I would like to go to a decently respected school that when I'm interviewing for a job, they don't ask me "where is that?" or "I've never heard of it."</p>
<p>Sorry for the wall of text...I just have a lot of passion on this matter and need feedback!!! Thanks!</p>
<ul>
<li>Will</li>
</ul>
<p>wblack86, </p>
<p>My comments to you will involve Texas Tech. Google “Texas Tech Admissions” and then click through a several screens and find the Tech Admissions Counselor to call in your area. In general, the Tech Admissions counselors really are helpful. (I recruit at high school college fairs for Tech in Plano and I am impressed by the Counselor’s enthusiasm and helpfulness.) My son graduated from Tech’s Business School and had such a positive experience that I recruit for them even though I am not an alum.</p>
<p>Now my off-the-wall two cents. A college or university will love your enthusiasm and heart plus your military record but may want to see a better academic record as well. Consider a semester or two at a community college associated with strong Tech ties (such as South Plains College in the Lubbock area or Collin College in Collin County) and then wow Tech with an improved academic record. </p>
<p>I finish with call a Tech counselor and get the scoop for you. I love Tech’s slogan: “From here, it’s possible”. Become a Red Raider!</p>
<p>@lonestardad</p>
<p>Wow I really appreciate your feedback! Thanks for the encouragement and personal opinion on my situation. I’m glad to see you know closely that the TTU Business School is a good experience. That’s great to hear. </p>
<p>Do you know personally if the application has an essay portion? I will go ahead and start to send some emails to some counselors and inquire about my interest in the school. Thanks again!</p>
<p>wblack86,</p>
<p>I don’t know if Tech has an essay portion to the application, but the Tech Admissions counselors will. By the way, I amend my community college advice after reading your post more thoroughly. Your taking 20-30 hours at University of Maryland University Center over the next couple years with a strong GPA will convince anyone that your desire has translated to positive action. Best of luck!</p>
<p>wblack86,</p>
<p>UMUC is a great way to get started (or re-started) on your college education. As you know, you can finish a full four-year degree with them by combining live and online classes that suit your schedule. Penn State has a similar program as well.</p>
<p>There is a sub-forum for Veterans inside the College Admissions Forum. Look at the top of that forum under the heading “Specialty College Admissions Topics”. If you pay a visit, I’m sure you will find lots of useful information. [Veterans</a> - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/veterans/]Veterans”>Veterans - College Confidential Forums)</p>
<p>Wishing you much success while you are in the service, and when you return to civilian life.</p>
<p>happymomof1</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the redirection to the Vet’s board. It doesn’t seem very active, but I’m going to try to squeeze some info out of there. </p>
<p>And yes, I am aware that UMUC offers 4 year degrees. However, I am looking for a more recognized university (mainly to challenge myself, and the sense of accomplishment in making it to a nationally recognized 4 year institution). UMUC is not bad at all. I think you’re catching my drift. </p>
<p>BUT! I had no idea about the Penn State option. I am deeply interested in that now. I found out some resources for it, and am going to e-mail an admissions representative about it.</p>
<p>First of all, I want to thank you for serving our country. :)</p>
<p>*So, I plan on knocking out at least 20-30 credits for the remainder of my time. </p>
<p>So, I think I’ll be able to get my GPA up to probably around 2.4-2.5 if I am lucky. I took so many classes and dropped so many that it hurt my overall GPA raise-ability (is that a word?).*</p>
<p>How many credits make up the 2.2 GPA? </p>
<p>What kind of grades do you expect to get with the 20-30 credits that you still need to take?</p>
<p>Is there a particular state (Texas?) that you have to later go to school in?</p>
<p>Will your GI bill pay for wherever you go or what?</p>
<p>wblack86,</p>
<p>Your instincts to attend a “recognized” university for your business major are very good. Wherever you consider going, thi is is my strongest advice. Be sure that you are able to go to the fall and winter business and government recruiting seasons on campus so you can interview face-to-face (or interview for internships that may end up as a full-time job offer). This will dramatically improve your chances of getting one or more job offers you will like. If an on-line and live class combination program at University of Maryland or Penn State (or Harvard if it had one) does not offer you full access to participating in the fall/winter recruiting on campus, then do not go there. Personal evidence - I attended the University of Chicago’s liberal arts college in the 1970’s and had zero interest from employers. I then got an MBA at the same school and got a couple offers after numerous on-campus face-to-face interviewing. Fast forward to 2008. My son misses the fall recruiting season in his senior year in Tech’s Business School (thought he wanted law school) and graduated with no job in the summer of 2008. He comes home and starts job hunting and intensive networking in the Dallas area getting almost no bites (one interview for a low paying human resources job). He then gets permission to participate in on-campus recruiting by firms at Tech’s Business School in the fall of 2008. Suddenly, my son’s job prospects improve dramatically - second interviews at six firms including a major bank, department store manager training program, computer security firm, commercial printer, and Fortune 250 oil field services company. He joined the oil field services company and still really likes it. On-site face-to-face campus recruiting was the key for me 35 years ago and my son 2 years ago.</p>
<p>@mom2collegekids</p>
<p>My 2.2 consists of about 65 credits currently. However, I’ve attempted many more. I don’t know if that effects my over-all ability to raise my GPA. </p>
<p>As far as what GPA I expect to get in the handful of classes I plan on taking for the remainder of my service contract, I plan on getting nothing lower than As. No excuse not to get a 4.0 - at the most one B. </p>
<p>Yes…I would really prefer to be in Texas. My sister lives out there along with my aunt and uncle. I have a lot of connections there that would help me out. I know a number of people who attended UT, A&M, and Tech. I love the state, and would love not have to move around anymore. My goal is to attend college in Texas (preferably Tech) and then go on to live and work in the Dallas area.</p>
<p>And yes, the Post 9/11 GI Bill (starting August 1st of this year) covers all public universities in full throughout the US. For Private schools, they cap out at 17k a year, but there is the Yellow Ribbon Program which serves as a way to help pay the differences. A lot of universities (like TCU) pay the entire tuition though the Yellow Ribbon Program. </p>
<p>@lonestardad</p>
<p>Thank you for appreciating my goals to succeed at the highest level possible. I was always a “do the minimum” person with school, and thats what I want to change. Obviously my grades hinder me from Ivey league caliber schools, but I want the challenge and satisfaction of getting into the best school I can possibly get into with my current stats and background. Just like my dad used to say, as long as you put forth your best effort…you’ll feel accomplished. </p>
<p>That is fantastic advice on the on-campus recruiting. Especially now the way the economy is so downtrodden. All my friends and family that have had to get jobs recently have gotten some pretty amazing hookups they honestly wouldn’t have gotten unless they knew someone. I am pumped! I hope to be able to follow a similar path that your son took. He looks to have things figured out.</p>