I just want to get accepted!

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>My junior year sucked. Deaths of three very close family members, antibiotic- resistant pneumonia, and a physical assault by a scout leader whom I trusted. My life went down the tubes and my grades followed suit. </p>

<p>But I got right back on the horse and doubled up in my senior year (I took nearly two years' worth of classes), for the express purpose of being admitted into college. I passed all but one (because I did not take that one), and it's a required course at most colleges. I legitimately didn't have time left to take it (Algebra 2, by the way), but I'd be more than willing to complete the necessary coursework if I just knew how! </p>

<p>I'm ready for the rigor of college academics; I write novels (which is no small feat, mind you), I've taught myself German and Geology, I worked two jobs in retail during the holiday season! I can DO THIS! If given the opportunity, I know I could budget my time properly, have the organizational skills, and thrive in a university atmosphere... If only I could get accepted!</p>

<p>It's not worth it to go to a community college for one class and then be stuck there for the four years it often takes in California, in order to maybe, possibly have a shot at two years of university (because once enrolled and graded, I would be a transfer, not a freshman). </p>

<p>Ok, I have sub- awesome grades (2.65 cumulative, because of the straight F's in junior year), and equally bleh SAT scores (1480- I'm not sure whether or not I should take the ACT; it's been two years since graduation), but my essay is powerful and thoroughly explains all of this in a well- organized essay format (not this mess I'm writing at the moment). </p>

<p>Is it enough? And if not, what can I do aside from community college? Would it help to retake the SAT or ACT? Can I take the class somehow and still be considered a freshman? I am working vey hard for college, I just don't know what I need to do to get in!</p>

<p>Any tips would be greatly appreciated, and thanks a ton for taking the time to read and respond to me! Hope you all have excellent college futures!</p>

2

<p>Retake the SAT. I have no doubt you are motivated and driven as you claim to be, so consider taking a gap year showcasing those abilities in something you’re passionate about. You could always start your degree at a community college, get fantastic grades, then transfer into a better school. Remember the degree is from where you graduate, not from where you start.
Chance me back:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1705017-please-chance-me-for-top-schools.html#latest”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1705017-please-chance-me-for-top-schools.html#latest&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

3

<p>That’s very inspiring. I would like to think that it’s enough but it depends in the schools. Which ones are you thinking of? I agree, retake the sat or act if possible, and if you had to starting off at community college isn’t a bad option either. But if you give a list of schools is love to chance you better. Good luck with everything!!</p>

4

<p>Hey, just think about community college! I know it’s not what you want to do, but it’ll turn out to be good. Just do the first two years and then transfer to a great school. Just work very hard those two years and discover what you want to do. Go from there :)</p>

5

<p>Except it won’t be two years. I’ve looked into it, and with the schools so impacted, it will take me four, probably five. I can name at least 12 people that are either still in cc after two, three, and four years, because there aren’t enough classes for the students. I just don’t have any respect for the community college system here; it’s an absolute joke. </p>

<p>It’s not worth it to slog through and suffer for four plus years at a place I hate, just so I have the possibility (still no guarantees) of being at the school I wanted in the first place, for only two years.</p>

<p>Community College- for me- would mean failure. I invested $1000 to take remediation courses in senior year, for the express purpose of gaining admission. Resigning myself to community college would mean all of that was a waste. I failed. </p>

<p>I’ve got money, I’m nearly finished with my novel(s). Maybe college isn’t for me, period.</p>

6

<p>The school I most want to attend (and have been aspiring toward since I was a freshman) is Western Washington University in Bellingham. Great city for writers, lots of like- minded people, family nearby, perfect weather (I love rain and cold), all the outdoor activities I could ever dream of, a residential campus, and QUIDDITCH!!!</p>

7

<p>Sorry, I’m really not trying to be a whiny brat or anything. I’ve just worked very hard for this and I don’t want to think that my efforts meant nothing. Sore subject, especially when it involves money. </p>

8

<p>@katmac95 There is a principle in economics to not let previous events affect future decisions. For example, even if you paid good money for a huge burger, do not force yourself to finish it if you’re already full half way through. At the moment of making the decision, your choices would be to finish the burger and have it hurt your body or throw it away (or leave it). Many people choose to force it down because they don’t want to have “wasted” their money on the burger. However, that just means they wasted their money AND hurt their body.</p>

<p>Your situation is similar. It’s true that college isn’t meant for everyone, and I cannot tell you what to do. But, I strongly encourage thinking about this objectively without considering all the effort you have ALREADY put into it. What matters now is your current choices and how each affects your future. </p>

<p>If I were you, I would attend Community College while writing novels. I don’t know you too well, obviously, but I don’t believe, in most cases, a high school education of writing is enough for continued and great success. At the very least, you should attend college, after CC, to make good connections with professors and other students who share your mindset and career ambitions. </p>

<p>Either way, it is your choice, and remember my burger example. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

9

<p>Just curious, as a geology major what exactly do you man by “I’ve taught myself geology”</p>

10

<p>You could go to community college and switch out to a university if you maintain your GPA and stuff. That’s probably your best bet if you want to go to university, anyway. It gives you a fresh start, and you can really prove your motivation by getting good grades in community college. Also, you’ll save money by finish your general ed at a much lower cost, while still being able to graduate from a university if you can successfully transfer. It really sounds like you are a hard worker, and this is the what I perceive to be the best bet at this point. Hold your head high and go chose those dreams. Good luck!</p>

11

<p>California State Universities and at least some UC’s have a non-matriculating option to take classes for many reasons, including precisely the predicament you are in. Do an internet search on California State University Open University, and find the university nearest you! You can take several classes per term without matriculating to square up your pre-reqs, and apply wherever you want as a Freshman (I think- check to be sure!). Here is the link for UCSB. It is UCSB courses, but the program is administered through its University Extension office:</p>

<p><a href=“http://extension.ucsb.edu/static/open.jsp”>http://extension.ucsb.edu/static/open.jsp&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>You may also be able to take limited classes at a community college as a non-matriculant, I don’t know. When you are ready, I really would prep for and retake the standardized test. Prepare the best application that you can. Best of luck!</p>

<p>My question- I would think Eugene, OR is THE IDEAL place for authors to live. Compare and contrast?</p>