HELP! low gpa 1st semester of college but desperately want to transfer!

<p>So my first semester at CUA I did horribly. I received two C's, two C-'s, and one D. My current GPA is a 1.68. I know that's absolutely TERRIBLE, and honestly unlike me. I did fine in high school (received a 3.0 GPA, played sports, was really involved in clubs and activities, etc.) but only got a 1580 on my SAT (critical reading 520, math 510, and writing 550) and a 21 on my ACT (english 21, math 17, reading 24, science 21).</p>

<p>For me, my first semester was terrible. I was the first out of my friends to leave to go to school after the loss of a close friend leaving me completely home sick and depressed, I have a horrible roommate (who is horrible for more reasons than one, and she's one of my best friends so I can't leave), and I work 14-20 hours a week at a store just to stay off my campus and out of my room. I absolutely hate the school and really regret not doing better because I'm afraid I ruined any chance I have of transferring.</p>

<p>Basically what I'm trying to ask is if anyone can relate and if there is any advice someone could give me. My hopes were always to transfer to somewhere like UVA or UNC. But I'm worried it's pointless to try and apply with such low grades. What are the chances I could get in if I pull all A's this semester? I'm determined to work really hard and I'm not trying to use what I said above as an excuse but it is the reason for my grades. SOMEONE PLEASE HELP! I need advice, examples, anything you can do to help me that would be awesome! T</p>