Hopeful transfer student. Advice/wisdom please?

<p>Hello everyone,</p>

<p>Here's a quick rundown of my situation:
-Graduated high school with 3.1 GPA.
-High SAT scores.
-Good extracurriculars.</p>

<p>I went to an expensive out state private school and nothing was like I expected it to be. I had some personal problems that affected my academics, which plummeted. I transfered to community college this year, and I feel like I am on the right track again.</p>

<p>-College GPA: 2.5 (Freshman year only, not counting summer courses, or classes during high school)
-Extracurriculars: Cross country, Volunteer at hospital and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
-Job: N/A, with my schedule (morning and night classes with XC inbetween) it's been a little hard to get a job that fits the hours, and I hope it doesn't reflect negatively. </p>

<p>I've kind of "reinvented" myself with the extracurriculars and my academic interests. I'm taking 13 credits this semester, and aiming for all A's (or A's and one B only). I also plan on taking 2 more 3 credit classes over the winter, in order to boost my GPA.</p>

<p>while my GPA is less than stellar, my grades have gradually increased (including an A over the summer) so I really plan on giving it my all this semester. </p>

<p>My main concerns:
-being able to prove to RU that I am done with fooling around and am seriously focused on getting in
-if my Winter credits will arrive in time for the Fall app deadline (doubtful)</p>

<p>One more thing: would it be worth it to apply for spring, and if I get rejected then wait for the fall decisions, or should I wait and just do the Fall app?</p>

<p>Few more quick facts:
-Hispanic.
-In state resident.
-first generation to go to college in the states.</p>

<p>Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys!</p>