I screwed up my college career in two years..may I redeem myself?

Transfer Students UC Transfers
1

<p>Got quite a bit of a situation here....let me first introduce myself..</p>

<p>I graduated from HS with 3.96 GPA 31 ACT, got into Emory University, planning on majoring in Biology while taking pre-med courses.</p>

<p>Then things take a turn for the worse</p>

<p>During summer prior to college, I developed a strong passion to pursue a career in music as a singer/dancer/music producer. It wasn't a random interest in music. I've played the violin for over 10 years, made All-State many times, and had always been in contact with pop music/dance choreography. I seriously considered not attending college to pursue my dream. However, being Asian, that option was unacceptable for my parents. I was forced to stick with my pre med route. Unexpectedly, when college started in Fall, I hated my biology chemistry classes, argued with my parents 24/7, barely put any effort into classes. All the long hours of lab work just made me wanna puke. Long story short, after two years I racked up a 2.7 cum GPA, before my dad decided to pull the plug and said he wasn't going to waste 50k a year on someone who doesn't appreciate it.</p>

<p>For the next two years, I took internships in a hip hop recording and dancing studios in Atlanta. I also won some dancing competitions, while at the same time making music, learning the craft of music production from various producers. I wouldn't necessary say it was an easier path for me. Although I did get to sit in recording sessions, most of the time I took the role as the janitor. Rappers with their chromed wheel Rolls would come in and out, treating me like a lil pizza boy. I was cleaning pukes in the bathroom, replacing carpets stained with marijuana odor, and other things I would rather leave out here. However, since I knew in entertainment industry (or any industry really), anyone had to work their way from the bottom, I was determined and didnt complain.</p>

<p>Now it has been 4 years since I graduated from HS, after two years of school education and two years streets education. I appreciate the opportunity to go through such an odd life experience. At the same time, I also realized how young and stupid I was. I was blindly chasing my dream without a plan to fall back on. I'll be sending out my demo tapes to various record labels soon. But who knows if I won’t get rejected by all of them. I’m now a 21 yr old young adult with responsibilities to not only support myself, but also stop dragging my family down by causing stress in their lives. I am a completely changed person with a new perspective in life. I’ve made a decision to compromise by pursuing career in music, at the same time continuing my college education. My plan is to transfer to Santa Monica College, get the best possible grades, and transfer to one of the UC schools. However, the reality is that my low GPA at Emory will travel 2000 miles with me to SMC. Mathematically speaking, my GPA will be well below the average 3.7-8+ UC transfer GPA (for UCLA UCBerkley).</p>

<p>So my question is, if I retake all my classes at SMC and get 4.0 GPA in all of them, will my previous Emory GPA kill my chances to transfer to higher ranked UCs? Will I be able to amend the mistakes I’ve made in life?</p>

<p>Thanks for reading all this...responses would be much appreciated.</p>

2

<p>It really depends on you. If you are really determined to bring your GPA up by getting a 4.0 in all of your classes and if it is still possible for you to get a high cumulative GPA even with the GPA you have at Emory, you should have no problem being eligible for high ranked UCs. You can always explain your situation and your hardships on your personal statement. That’s what they are there for.</p>

3

<p>Look into Academic Renewal at Emory. Some school have a policy where you can get those old grades off of your GPA after a certain period of time.</p>

<p>Also, if you get between a 3.8 and 4.0 at a CCC, you will have a great shot at both Berkeley and UCLA. However, you will need to do your best, be consistent, and generally kick ass. </p>

<p>Best of luck! You’ll do it.</p>

4

<p>That’s one heck of a story. I’d read your book. Now go back to school with everything you’ve learned in mind and turn those hardships into an amazing personal statement. I dunno about Cal or LA but you’ll be going to a UC for sure. I’ve also secretly shared some ambitions similar to yours. I know its so selfish but there’s nothing I want more than to be doing something I love. Yet, its not very practical. Everyone wants to chase their dreams and be an artist. I’ve let it die though. I can settle with having hobbies though. If I have time, I can always do what I like later on in life. Maybe I will end up sacrificing my youth and adventure but I’d rather do that than be an angry 40 year old crank who can’t pay his bills. Thank you for an inspiring story though. Your mistakes really set some of my perspectives straight.</p>

5

<p>Wow. What a story. Why don’t you try incorporating your passion into your education? If you truly despise chemistry, biology, and all that still, why would you go through it again? Premed isn’t the only road to success, especially if you don’t love it. But you can always do the things you love and still make it be practical. Heck, you can even be a music teacher. I don’t know. Either way, best of luck! You can still redeem yourself!</p>

6

<p>At SMC you are allowed to retake coursework over 2 years old and the new grade replaces the old one or it averages, I am not sure which. Just talk to a counselor when you get here. I recommend Benny Blades.</p>

7

<p>thx for responses guys… right now i’m just concerned about my old GPA, cause its practically impossible to turn 2. something gpa it in to a 3.8+ unless u take like 100 classes and get 4.0 in every one of them. Anyway, I won’t be doing pre-med again, I think I’m going business, since business can be applied to just about any industry (including entertainment). My sister in law went to Haas and said it prepares you very well for any business related industry. Obviously transferring to Haas would be a dream come true, but I think i’ll be satisfied with Econ degree from a high UC if that doesn’t work out.</p>

8

<p>oh really? i already talked to this guy named Jeff, and he said the new grades dont’ replace old ones, but maybe he didn’t know it’s been 2 years since i last attended emory. thx i’ll call him again tomorrow</p>

9

<p>I say contact your previous college,speak with a representative from the UC’s you plan to get in(Berkeley are very helpful and I kind of wish I didn’t screw around in my early years but that’s a different story),and talk with those with SMC.Do this early on since due to recent major budget cuts,its becoming much harder to get classes at a CC.As much I hate to say this transferring within two years may not be possible but with hard work and dedication you will be able to achieve your goal eventually.good luck! :)</p>