Hi. I’m a 22 year old non-traditional who took the CHSPE (kind of like the GED, in California) and started attending community college a year before my actual graduating year. I’ve been in and out of school, battling depression since I was 16, which is why I have the Ws. I would start off a full semester strong, but then, around week 7 (or whenever) I would go through a depressive episode and not be able to participate in society.
I have been out of school for about three years, but have been pretty consistently employed, and this will be my third year working full time at a pretty reputable company in its industry, as a translator. I am entirely self sufficient. I’ve been dealing with my issues and have been feeling more stable, so I started taking one online class this semester while working, just to test the waters. It seems to be going well, so I’m thinking about easing myself back into it, slowly…
I know 8 Ws is a lot… but if the remainder of my classes before I transfer are solid, and I don’t get any more Ws, am I less screwed, or am I still screwed?
I have 18 credits that I’ve accumulated over the years, with a GPA of 3.6, but I know I can get that up. I am looking at two years or so to finish all of my courses I’d like to complete before I transfer (if things go well). If possible, I would like to attend a higher tier university (around UC level and possibly better) but I don’t know if any good university would want me, with 8 Ws.
Going back to school has always been this lingering, far-off dream that I always felt like I wasn’t good enough for… I admire people with college degrees, whether AAs or Doctorates, SO MUCH. Kudos to everyone who has one, or is working on one. You’re really amazing.
I have 5 w’s from University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I got pregnant my senior year of high school, but I didn’t give up I graduated with a 3.9 GPA at the top of my class. I was feeling real good about myself, and I received a full scholarship to UMN. When I got there it was too much…
I did one semester before I crashed. My first semester I got a 3.4. I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder…my family was not that helpful, my life spun out of control. I was scared, when I started thinking about going back to college; I didn’t want to start and f it up again. Anyway I’m 21, I started going to a community college. Right now I’m doing good, I’m still edgy I feel like any day something bad is going to happen.
I’m looking to transfer out in the fall…my take on it is if a college doesn’t understand that everyone doesn’t have a cookie cutter life f-them. You have been through a lot at least you are not giving up…a lot of people just give up. A college should recognize this; it shows dedication and a true appreciation for education. All the colleges I’m applying to have a section where it is possible to list special circumstances, or add something you want them to know. Rock it out at whatever CC you want to go to then explain your w’s when you want to transfer.
I agree. Don’t give up. They will look at your resilience as well as your grades. You have a long time to take it easy and go through community college at your own pace. Lots of people have Ws for many different reasons (physical illness, mental illness, illness of a family member, whatever) and believe it or not, colleges DO understand this. They are NOT looking for cookie-cutter students living a typical life.
There is no pressure on you.
One thing I would say–what is your vision of a “good” university? Does it have to be a name-brand or would you “settle” for a good, solid state university with a great staff and a lot of support services?
I know a lot of people on here seem to think that getting that brand-name college is the be-all and end-all of academia, but frankly, my community college and state college degrees have gotten me everywhere I wanted in life. They’ve only been mentioned once: by someone from France. Egalite, my butt. LOL. Plus, you know what is awesome?
No debt.
So set realistic short, mid, and long-term goals and don’t fret over what other people will think. Lots of people in your situation have succeeded. Even a lot of people who were high-school drop-outs, who were in and out of community college, have gone on to finish at great schools and have productive, inspiring lives. You absolutely can do it.
You’re not screwed. I had <em>more</em> W’s, WF’s, and Incompletes that became F’s than that. I thought I’d never be able to return to school, and if I did, it would be to a “crappy” school that wouldn’t lead anywhere.
When I returned to school, I did the path that people (including MmeZeeZee) often recommend here, even though I was initially embarrassed and ashamed to be doing it. After all, I had been NMS, all that, before I crashed and burned! So I went to the local CC for two semesters to get some of the state require courses, then I applied to a nearby Big Public Nonselective University under the “Adult Exception” program, which allows them to admit you based on recent work and ignore the old GPA for admission purposes.
When I started, I often didn’t tell people where I went to school because I was embarrassed. I have friends who went to Ivy league schools, top LACs, and here I was, at the sort of university that in the past, has admitted pretty much anyone. BUT – my department has been astound, my professors are great, and now I have a good chance at going to grad school at a top Ivy. Not because they’re an Ivy, but because they’re a good fit for me.
So, yes, you can do it. It may take a while, but it can happen.
I think the consistent message you are seeing is don’t give up. It’s a whole different situation (I working with my daughter who is ADHD and really struggles) but the message is the same. Find either a community college or a small college that provides support and be honest with them and yourself. I had one admissions counseler tell me they would never penalize someone for something they didn’t have control over. You need to find the right school that will be there to help and support you.
Good Luck!!!
So I went to the local CC for two semesters to get some of the state require courses, then I applied to a nearby Big Public Nonselective University under the “Adult Exception” program, which allows them to admit you based on recent work and ignore the old GPA for admission purposes.