@Oldhopeful Your case should be one of those very rare occurrences (though definitely admirable).
However, I do not consider you a right role model as what you could achieve is not possible in normal circumstances for most of people, no matter how hard they try!
My daughter happens to be one of those only few Regents scholars in UCLA, but I can not tell everyone that with hard work they can be one too … as only 100 out of 100,000 admits can receive that and perhaps one needs a lot of luck too!
(Let’s go to ultimate extreme: There was a Newton 3-4 centuries ago but we can’t make him a right role model for aspiring students and “promise” them that with only hard work they could be one as well!?)
@uclaparent9 I see what you’re saying. While my case is probably a rare one, I don’t think people that have a few early mistakes should be discouraged. As long as the ability is there, and it’s reflected adequately, then a few errors can be overlooked. If somebody comes back strong and replaces a series of F’s with A’s and ends up with a 3.8 GPA, they probably have as much of a chance as any candidate with a similar GPA. Perhaps even a better chance, if they can effectively portray themselves as a redemption story in their statements.
(Also a correction to my last post: 100 out of about 100,000 “applicants” get Regents scholarship in UCLA … not 100 out of 100,000 admits, as I wrongfully stated in my earlier post #20)
@uclaparent9 it’s not uncommon at all. Kids go to college, party too hard, stop attending without formally withdrawing, a life-threatening emergency, the list goes on. It’s actually more common than you think.
If you’re up here long enough you’ll see a slew of high school graduates who had a ton load of Fs in college and transferred successfully.
You don’t know anyone else’s circumstances. I personally have a very high regard for anyone who changed their situation and made it to the top. You might not see them as role models, but I do - and so do the UCs, which is why they always ask about setbacks. It shows grit and determination.
@uclaparent9 You will notice many people up here getting regents come next spring. It’s a great honor, but as a parent, it always help by keeping it humble.
