I messed up in my first two years of community college but USC is my dream. Please help.

Transfer Students
1

My first two years of college were terrible, to say the least, I was at one CCC and earned a 1.3 GPA. Then I went to a new CCC nearby because I thought the burdens of full-time work and family issues would be over with but little did I know it would be the same thing all over again. I finished this year with a 1.11 GPA and I am now retaking a math class to get back on track because now the burdens are really gone. I know USC doesn’t honor retakes but I am finally headed in the right direction and I feel that I can really do it now. I planned all my classes and have completely turned myself around. I guess what I am looking for is maybe someone in a similar situation or someone who has been where I am at, I need guidance and tips. USC Viterbi CS is my dream, I just want to know if me doing this is worthwhile, or should I just give up on the goal altogether?

2

It’s good that you have gotten your life together, however, you need to be realistic. I’m not going to say that you are completely barred from entering USC, however, there are three facts to consider:


  1. Focusing on reaching a single school is not prudent, even if you’re a perfect student.
  2. You are at a considerable disadvantage over other students due to your poor performance at two prior institutions.
  3. USC Viterbi is EXTREMELY competitive.



    Do not give up. Rather, shift your expectations. Do not focus on Viterbi. Research a wide array of great CS programs in other schools. Apply broadly. And of course, prepare for the worst.



    Sadly, I cannot tell you how ANY school will precisely react to your extremely poor academic performance, assuming you’ll actually start performing academically. But I will say, no matter how well you perform academically, your CC will follow you.



    Always look at your situation candidly, no matter how ugly it is.



    Best of luck.
3

If you have a 1.2 composite GPA and USC doesn’t honor academic renewals, then you can try for it, but I wouldn’t be to excited for it. A better strategy is to apply to schools that honor academic renewal/class retakes.

4

USC is a dream for many but unfortunately not every dream comes try. I would focus on pulling up your grades and finding a school that will accept you.