Help! Transfer Student wanting to apply to in-state 4 year university!

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi All.</p>

<p>This is my first post, and I have a couple quick questions. </p>

<p>I'm currently a High School Graduate (3.2 GPA) and I have been attending a local community college for the past almost 2 years.</p>

<p>Unfortunately, college was not as easy as high school, and I was quite culture shocked by the difference in the academics, as well as the lifestyle and cost.</p>

<p>There have been many factors that have really made college hard for me, and have distracted me from doing my best. (Death in the family, GF Break-Up, Layed off from Job, Working too many hours) This has all influenced my college lifestyle.</p>

<p>Let's get to the point and say that I have not received the best of grades. In fact, they are just plain terrible. (Mostly C's, C+'s, B-) </p>

<p>I currently have a 2.02 Cum GPA for my first year, and I have actually gotten very serious lately, and am working to get A's and at the worst, B's. I have actually shown alot of improvement over the last 2 quarters, and will continue to, until I finish my AA in the Business Transfer Program (It WILL transfer to the schools below) </p>

<p>I'm wanting to attend WWU (Western Washington University) or WSU (Washington State University), but I am unsure of what I should do. I am afraid, and somewhat ashamed to attempt apply, and I greatly fear being rejected. </p>

<p>Sorry for the long read, any help is greatly appreciated! </p>

<p>-Chris</p>

2

<p>Well, think about it this way: you'll never know if you don't try. You shouldn't fear being rejected because there are a lot worse things in life than being rejected from a college. </p>

<p>What I think you should do is apply and explain your circumstances when you do. Apply to WWU, WSU, and IMO, you might want to apply to The Evergreen State College (not sure you'd like it, but it has a very high acceptance rate, which means you're more likely to get in). </p>

<p>Hope that helps. Know that you're a smart guy and can definitely get in. ;)</p>

3

<p>Thanks for the reply! </p>

<p>I did good on my SAT Test (IMO), it wasn't stellar, but it meets most state college requirements. (CR - 580, M - 480, W - 500)</p>

<p>I REALLY fear the rejection. I know there is much worse than that, but I really have a hard time dealing with it.</p>

<p>What can I do to better myself to get into college besides grades. I do have extracurricular activities (Soccer, Eagle Scout, Volunteering), and I have worked jobs that are oriented with my intended degree (MBA - Marketing or Business Admin)</p>

<p>Any more help?!?</p>

4

<p>I don't think extra-curriculars are going to be a big factor. At most public colleges admission is based on grades and test scores alone, so that's where you want to put your energy. Also if you don't get accepted, appeal the decision. Many applicants can get themselves admitted when they appeal on a probationary status... which may involve getting a certain GPA the first year, or maybe taking some more credits at the CC over the summer and achieving good grades there. Don't give up. If you don't get accepted at first, ask them what they'd like to see from you in order to make it happen.</p>

5

<p>I think the most important thing to remember in all of this is that you’re trying to do something more and better. I understand the feeling of fearing rejection and that’s an unfortunate reality of the application process.</p>

<p>Don’t defeat yourself before you get started! I studied at a small private college my first year and finished at a four-year public university. I was required to live on campus my first year and fortunately assigned with all the other transfer students, many of whom had less than stellar academic records until then. The person I ended up spending the most time with had already failed out of two other colleges, once in his second semester after high school and again a few years later (so our mutual university was his third attempt). While not an Ivy it’s a Top 100 with a moderately selective admission, and my point is that schools are willing to give you more credit than you might think you deserve.</p>

<p>Don’t skip out on any of the application steps. Go to campus visits, try to get in contact with professors in the program(s) that interest(s) you, talk to admissions counselors and above all be honest about your background. The fact that you recognize your past shortcomings is a good indicator of trying harder in the future!</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

6

<p>I'm certain that your CC has "transfer counselors" to answer your exact questions and be a source of guidance to you as you progress onto your BA/BS degree. Frankly you're to be congratulated. Only about 1/3 of people who start CC eventually are disciplined enough to realistically consider transferring to a 4yr degree program. </p>

<p>Your counselor will be able to calm your fears and direct you down the right paths. Also, it's highly likely that they have close relations w/your target schools and can even put a good word in for you if you merit one. Best of luck to you and congrats on your recent achievements!</p>

7

<p>I thank each and everyone of you for your responses. You truly do know how to encourage somebody when the doubt themselves. </p>

<p>I really do appreciate the responses.</p>