<p>I'm older student looking for a second chance. About 8 years ago, I flunked out of the first university I went to. I totally didn't care and didn't know what I wanted in life. I did not do work and didn't even bother to withdraw from the classes. </p>
<p>Since then I've started a small business and did okay. But I really matured now and want to finish my education. For the past 2 years I've been taking relevant classes at a community college (one that has a special program with UIUC). I got about 60 hours and a 3.95 GPA. I want to transfer to UIUC. My ACT is a 31 taken way back in high school. I'm a smart guy but i hate myself for not caring previously.</p>
<p>Should I even bother? Will UIUC primarily look at my GPA from my recent community college? I can also write a personal statement stating how much I've matured and my deep appreciation for education now will help me succeed.</p>
<p>Would it be wise to drive down to UIUC and meet some admission staff in person?</p>
<p>Why don’t you start with your CC advisor? They have the most experience and should know how UIUC evaluates applicants. If they aren’t helpful, call/email UIUC and see if you can make an appointment with someone there.</p>
<p>With your current record, my guess is that UIUC will largely overlook your earlier record since it was so long ago. Nice job turning things around!</p>
<p>UIUC being a large state flagship may not have a particularly service oriented admissions office (whats worse is when you get a junior admissions rep who doesnt know what they’re talking about and gives you false hope/misinformation). Much like HR, they hide behind policy. If your lifetime cumulative is below some threshhold for admissions/artictulation agreement (it’s 3.0 in Maryland), nothing you do externally will matter (stellar rec letters, robust personal statement, national academies of science recognition, CC valedictorian and commencement speaker with a double major…etc).</p>
<p>Your best bet is to find the person in the college/department (humanities, engineering, business, etc) who is in charge of student affairs (like suspensions, flunk outs, etc). They are likely the only ones with authority who can circumvent policies. Win them over and you’re in.</p>
<p>I talked to the engineering advisor at my CC who handles a lot of engineering transfers to UIUC, and he said he “has a good idea of how their admission works,” and he said UIUC will mostly overlook my past records and focus on the new me.</p>
<p>I also remember in high school, when I applied to UIUC as a freshman, UIUC liked my ACT and math competition results, but my junior and senior year grade was poor (sharp plummet from fresh and soph years). The dean of engineering really wanted me and said as long as I can do well in my 2nd semester, senior year, they’ll take me. Unfortunately, I had a depression at the time and couldn’t focus, so I never got in.</p>
<p>That problem carried over to my early college days which explains my poor past GPA. But now it’s been years and I think with over 60 credit hours and a 3.95 GPA at my CC, I can make my case again? My high school experience taught me that UIUC’s admission process is not completely cut and dry, and that certain “people” can influence the process.</p>
<p>My CC also has a Pathway program to UIUC where if you take 60 hours and all the required courses, with a 3.3 GPA, you are guaranteed admission. Unfortunately, I didn’t participate in the program since it wasn’t available 2 years ago. But I have taken all the courses required and my GPA is way over 3.3, so if someone can participate in the Pathway program and not worry about their past, why shouldn’t I?</p>
<p>Because it was 8 yrs ago they will probably overlook your previous grades. Still I would look into academic renewal (if it is offered) to remove some of those old grades if they were Ds and Fs.</p>