I'm just a 20-something in need of some guidance.

Transfer Students
1

<p>Let's dive right in, shall we? I didn't do so hot in HS. Something like a 2.8 GPA, 24 ACT.
Went to a private university (Dominican University) straight out of high school, got kicked out because I withdrew one too many courses and my completion rate suffered. I then decided I wanted to rebel and pursue my life long passion (music) at Columbia College Chicago, a year and a half has gone by and I ultimately got dismissed (which, I'm not sure if the jargon is the same everywhere, not "kicked out", just told I need to go do something elsewhere and then I can come back if I can prove my ability to handle school). </p>

<p>Ultimately, my heart is not in it anymore — music, that is. Your hobbies should stay as such. </p>

<p>Anyway, now I'm left with pretty much one option: Community College.
I realize this is going to sound a little bit ridiculous coming from someone who has thus far most likely come across as a bum of sorts, but we all gotta buckle down someday right?</p>

<p>I don't want to go back to Columbia, I no longer wish to pursue Art. Rather, I want to pursue something I find genuinely interesting. What I find interesting is politics, econ, law, and psychology. </p>

<p>My hopes are high, my parents' even higher. I want to do the best I can and be the best I can. That being said, there is tremendous weight bearing down on me. </p>

<p>Is it possible for someone like myself to make a comeback? Is it possible that my dreams are within reach? Or has my lack of responsibility thus far ultimately ruined my life?</p>

<p>The way I see it there are two paths the "wishful thinking" side of me sees ahead.
1. Go to CC, work my ass off (and I mean really work it off..summer courses, 6 classes at a time, winter courses, you name it) for two years, earn an Associate's, manage a 4.0 GPA, and transfer to a dream-tier school. And by dream-tier, I do mean something along the lines of Northwestern.</p>

<ol>
<li>Same as the first bit of #1, but instead, transfer somewhere more along the lines of DePaul University or Loyola, maintain the same rigorous academic schedule, and eventually move on to Graduate School somewhere respectable. </li>
</ol>

<p>Am I crazy? Is either option 1 or option 2 feasible for someone like me?</p>

<p>I can already feel the skepticism from the other side of the internet, and believe me I know what you want to say "What on earth makes you think you can manage that workload and achieve a 4.0 if you've been such a dingus thus far?" </p>

<p>Well, what can I say, I thrive under pressure. </p>

<p>All I really want from someone is some general advice. What I should expect moving forward, the caliber of school I can expect with either option 1 or 2. I'd like to stay on topic and not dive into the "why"s, if anyone has any experience or any input whatsoever, I eagerly await what you have to say.</p>

2

<p>check your PM’s sent you one. but in a word ‘No’ NW tier isn’t realistic with the damaged records at the college level</p>

3

<p>Have a sit-down with the Transfer Advisor at the CC you would be attending. That person will be able to help you evaluate your options. They see situations like yours all the time.</p>

<p>Wishing you all the best!</p>

4

<p>If you really did get a 4.0 over four semesters at a CC, I don’t think a selective private school is necessarily out of reach. But it’s a pretty big if. I think you have very little to lose by taking one full semester, concentrating your course work on the areas you’re interested in now, and seeing if you can pull it off. At any rate, if you ended up transferring to UIC, let’s say, good graduate schools are still potentially open to you. What are your other options besides CC?</p>

5

<p>I was in a relatively same situation as you. Barley graduated HS (not because I was unable, but did not care at all about HS) and failed 2x at two separate colleges post HS. I am in my late 20s now, and have been attending CC for 2 years. I have a 4.0 in all those courses. The courses include “hard” courses:</p>

<p>calculus 1-4
physics w/ calc 1-2
chem 1-2 (currently in organic)
obviously a hand-full of generals as well.</p>

<p>I always was under the plan that I would try and go to UofMN-TC. I did not think I would ever get into a “dream” school with my horrible past record. I guess we will never know as I did not apply to any. I started thinking about “dream” schools within the last few weeks…too late for many to apply now. (slightly regret it, but I’m sure I’ll be fine no matter where I end up)</p>

<p>I applied to 3 schools, one I knew I would get in, one I was 60-70% I would get in, and UofMN-TC.</p>

<p>I have gotten in to the 60-70% school, Nebraska-Lincoln. I understand that UNL is no Northwestern, but it at least it is a respectable alternative if UofMN-TC denies me.</p>

<p>My story got long I know (and not quite on par with your goals), but I felt compelled to share as I see parallels in our pasts. My advice to you is to keep your head up and destroy 2 semesters of CC. Even if Northwestern says no, with a 4.0 there will be many other great alternatives you can pursue. Giving yourself a chance to go to a great college starts by getting into CC.</p>

<p>Ps. If I can get a 4.0 for 3 years straight, so can you. (Yes, 3, I switched schools and majors after my first year back in CC)</p>

6

<p>Don’t forget the hardest option of them all-GET A JOB!</p>