In desperate need of help due to unideal circumstances

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi there! Should you currently be reading this, first I would like to thank you for taking the time to do so (I realize at first glimpse there is quite a bit to digest!).</p>

<p>Most important to note, is that my goal here is not to string the reader along and/or be provided with an ego-boost (trust me, after reading it will be evident that is by no means my intent), rather I solely wish to obtain some much needed advice that perhaps is long overdue. Any knowledge pertaining to questions posed and/or simple anecdotal experience with such cicumstances would be greatly appreciated. Even though I am not the first in my family to have college aspirations and act upon them, those who have some expierence are unable to provide me with solid answers/advice, as they attended the local cc and then transferred to the local 4-year institution (CSU, primarily) without experiencing hurdles of the same caliber as I. </p>

<p>Before I give any personal details about my situation, my college goals (possibly unrealistic) are as follows:
-double major in Political Science and Economics (both very competitive, I understand.)
-law school after undergaduate work
-universities with prestigious programs of the above desired.</p>

<p>Should it be needed, here is some background information regarding my family:
-upper-middle class (financial aid not not necessary, but would be nice considering I have younger siblings.)
-neither parent completed 4 years of college, but a few non-immediate family members have. (mom - some cc, trade school; dad - cc for AA then onto a CSU, left to pursue own business summer before completion.)</p>

<p>Situation:
I have just graduated from high school, and as easy as earning a high school diploma should have been, it was exceptionally difficult for me. Up until my sophmore year of school, I was classified as a hardworking student that enjoyed learning. Even though grades received before high school hold no meaning to college admission offcials, I mainted a 4.0 or very close to it in middle school and all the way through my freshman year. During the last month of my freshman year, however, I expirienced many medical difficulties (should the details be needed to help provide accurate advice as to what I need to do, please send me an email or private message. I do not wish to publicly disclose such private details to everyone). I considered myself fortunate for having the summer to recooperate and start my sophmore year off strong, but I finished my first semester with a 2.3 GPA in the most rigorous courseload I could take as a sophmore. The fact that I had ruined my chances of Valedictorian along with seeing the disappointment on my parents' faces caused me to enter a state of extreme depression. Coupled with my ongoing medical issues and sporadic attendence, my grades were even more repulsive the next semester. This pattern continued until the beginning of my senior year when my parents and the school decided Home Hospital study was needed. It was too late in the semester to salvage my grades, but the last semester of my senior year on home hospital study (independent study of the same courses with a certified teacher from my school district) I managed a 3.6 GPA and said goodbye to the medical problems I endured for so very long. </p>

<p>Unfortunately, my grades took a turn for the worse when they mattered most to colleges (sophmore year, junior year, first semster of senior year). When looking at my transcript and attendence record, one would probably reach the conclusion that I am a terrible student with no work ethic at all; that I don't belong anywhere near a prestigious university.For quite some time I believed that myself, but I have finally accepted all that has happened and now am ready prove to everyone - especially myself -that I am capable of success.</p>

<p>High School Profile:
GPA: 2.6</p>

<p>SAT: 1730
(Taken only once and during the beginning of my sophmore year, so I assume it will improve should I take again. Have not taken SAT subject tests or the ACT.)</p>

<p>AP CLASSES & SCORES:
European History: 3
English Lang & Comp: 3
American Gov: 3
Macroeconomics: 4
Microeconomics: 3
Biology: did not test
German: did not test
English Lit: did not test</p>

<p>(I attended each class on average 60% of the time - if even that - so it is reflected in my scores. Both Econ tests I challenged as I had never taken an economics course; I used knowledge obtained by studying both in Academic Decathlon. The 3 AP tests I did not take were due to being sick and hopsitalized.)</p>

<p>Believe it or not, I was involved in many ECs, but as with class attendence my participation was limited due to being sick. </p>

<p>School Clubs/Activities:
Girls' Basketball - (9th & 10th) 2 years
Academic Decathlon - (11th & 12th) 2 years
Autism Awareness Club - (10th & 12th) 3 years
Blue Wave Spirit Club - (9th - 12th) 4 years
Commissioned 4 Christ - (9th - 12th) 4 years
Drama Club/Feast of Fools - (9th - 11th) 3 years
Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) - (9th - 12th) 4 years
Forensics Speech - (10th - 12th) 3 years
Forensics Debate - (10th - 12th) 3 years
German Club - (9th - 12th) 4 years
Interact Service Club - (10th - 12th) 3 years
Key Club - (9th - 12th) 4 years
Link Crew - (11th & 12th) 2 years
Mock Trial - (9th - 11th) 3 years
Model United Nations - (10th - 12th) 3 years
Pay It Forward - (11th & 12th) 2 years </p>

<p>Activities/Clubs (outside of school):
Girls Scouting - 11 years
Assist Teens - (9th - 12th) 4 years
Competitive soccer - (9th & 10th) 2 years
Piano lessons/teaching - (9th - 12th) 4 years</p>

<p>The awards I would include in my application are as follows:
Girl Scout Gold Award (Community Service)
Gold Medalist in Performed & Impromptu Speaking (Academic Decathlon)
National Finalist in Public Forum (Crossfire) Debate (Forensics)
Coach's Award (Basketball) </p>

<p>Despite all the difficulties encountered in high school, I still attempted to involve myself as much as I could. Granted, I was never able to particpate 100% of the time, but whenever possible I did. That time in my life was constantly up and down - I never knew when I would be able to participate/compete/serve, but again, I did so as often as my health let me. </p>

<p>Now that I have rambled on and given an idea as to what my situation is, the questions I have are as follows:</p>

<p>1) Based off the information provided, what schools are best to look into. (UCLA is my dream undergraduate school and always has been - what are the chances of acceptance to UCLA and institutions of similar caliber? Also, an Ivy League school for after undergrad?</p>

<p>2) Since I have already graduated high school and thought useless to apply beginning of my senior year, how should I go about this? I realize it is probably too late to get in anywhere for Fall 2009, but whatever about Spring 2010? Or should I wait and apply in a few months for Fall 2010?</p>

<p>3) If I wait and apply in a few months for the Fall of 2010, how should I go about doing so if I start at the local cc for now? I have looked into the IGETC program at the local cc and enrolled in classes there for this upcoming semester as a backup (I am thinking that is what I will ultimately be doing, however.) Due to passing 5 AP tests that satisfy IGETC requirements and taking a college course there my sophmore year, I mapped out what I would have left to take after this semester. I would only need 3 classes to transfer to a UC. So should I apply for the Fall of 2010, do I apply as a freshman or a transfer? Which would provide me with a better chance of acceptance?</p>

<p>4) Should I take the SAT Reasoning, 2 subject tests, and/or the ACT for whenever and however I apply?</p>

<p>5) How does one go about enrolling through Special Admissions? What qualifies one? What is needed? Also, do all universities - including the Ivys - offer such? </p>

<p>6) What is a good way to go about explaining my situation within my personal statement, assuming I should? Should I provide as much detail as possible so they don't feel that I am lying?</p>

<p>7) Both the superintendent and my personal doctor have offered to write letters of rec for . The superintendent's family is close to my family, but he knows nothing of what I have gone through. Does he need to be informed in order to write a good letter of rec even if my doctor's letter explains everything? Also, would having letters from both improve my chances? I realize some schools require letters from a teacher, but since I struggled just to pass my classes and didn't attend regulary, would providing letters from the superintendent and my doctor only suffice? </p>

<p>8) Currently, I am studying abroad in Germany and attending the last month of school here. I would like have an international focus for when I major in Poli Sci and Econ, so would the fact that I am nearly fluent in the German language, along with visiting and experiencing the country make me more appealing, considering it directly relates to my intended major? </p>

<p>9) Finally, how sympathetic are admissions officials on average? With my gpa, scores, circumstances, ect., do I have a shot? If so, is it out of my reach?</p>

2

<p>***, you already graduated high school and is starting to just apply now? am i missing something? i think you are a little late. Maybe go back for another year and retake some of the courses and apply?</p>

3

<p>I apologize for not being too clear. Yes, I have graduated and do not plan to return since I have already obtained the diploma. Basically, I am at a standstill as to what steps concerning college I need to take next. I realize I am nearlya year late in getting the ball rolling, but I thought posting on here to hopefully get feedback and help from someone who has experience. Like the topic says, the circumstances aer not ideal. </p>

<p>i have enrolled at the local cc, as stated, and if needed I will apply as a junior transfer. some of my questions pertained to transferring through the igetc program to ucs</p>

4

<p>Your GPA and test scores will not get you admitted to UCs. I don’t think UC admissions will be receptive to a plea based on your circumstances, because there are so many applicants who maintained their grades despites ill health, the death of a parent. etc. I’m not saying your circumstances don’t merit special consideration, just that admissions people are unlikely to appreciate the differences between your situation and the situations of others who faced similar challenges with greater academic success. Your best bet is to take two years at a community college, be sure you meet all of the transfer requirements for UCs and your major, and apply to UCLA as a junior transfer. Then your HS GPA and test scores won’t matter. This is a common route to take to enter UCs, so you will find many other students doing the same thing, and it is also cost efficient.</p>

5

<p>I think your best bet is to perform well at CC and go for a transfer. I say that because I don’t know how schools would evaluate you. Your illness should moderate your low GPA but schools may want to make sure you are well now. Performing in CC is the best way to do that.</p>

6

<p>thank you for the reply, and yes I am leaning towards the jc route as the only realistic path to getting to a school like UCLA. it isnt where i dreamed of starting college, but it is probably the only way to get there.</p>

7

<p>So glad that your health problems are behind you! I am in agreement with the people who are recommending cc for your first year or two. Especially with this economy, many very bright students are going the cc route in CA. There are counselors at virtually all CA cc’s who will show you exactly which courses are transferrable, and what courses you must take, and what GPA you have to maintain in order to virtually guarantee transfer to UCLA or USC (if you are interested in the Los Angeles area). I’m not sure if a whole two years at cc is necessary to do this, particularly if you take summer school classes and are willing to transfer mid-year. There is no reason that you can’t achieve your goals of graduating from a prestigious university and attending an excellent law school; starting at a cc will not be held against you and it will give you the opportunity to show colleges just how great a student you are when you aren’t struggling with health concerns.</p>

8

<p>Not to be mean - but would 3s be acceptable for college credit? Afaik, most colleges accept only 4s and 5s. Some only want 5s (probably not in most colleges accept ivy and ivy league quality schools). Also - SAT/ACTs - are you allowed to take them after you graduate? I have been told that some colleges would only consider the ones that you have already taken pre high school in a transfer… This is information I am unsure about - so i could definitely be wrong.</p>

<p>I think that when it comes time for a transfer, you should look for schools that may not require SATs (Cornell is a big school that comes to mind who very often accept exceptional students from CCs), I don’t know if you can take them as a high school graduate…</p>

<p>That aside, I really respect you for having the courage to keep going through despite your difficulties. I have been through, currently still go to depression from time to time, so i realize how difficult it is to succeed feeling that way. Your EC activities are IMPECCABLE considering your situation. That should definitely help out out in your college application showing that you still tried to get involved. </p>

<p>Don’t worry, everything will work out! Till then have fun being out of sickness! CC isn’t bad - just be optimistic! I wish you the best of luck in your ventures - i really do.</p>

9

<p>My impression is that transferring to a UC from a California cc is far easier than transferring from a four year college, but that said, I wonder if a small, nurturing college like Mount Saint Mary’s in Brentwood might be a good alternative for you while you’re getting your transcript/GPA in shape. Again, I’m not sure if your current GPA would be a problem, but they might be likelier than a larger, more impersonal school to really listen and take your total situation into account in making an admissions decision.</p>

10

<p>“Not to be mean - but would 3s be acceptable for college credit? Afaik, most colleges accept only 4s and 5s.”</p>

<p>Most colleges accept 3s. It’s only top colleges that don’t.</p>

11

<p>I disagree with most of the advice here. I don’t think your goal should be to go to UCLA, it should be to study what you want to study (economics and PolySci) at a small nurturing 4 year liberal arts college that would take you academically to the next level. </p>

<p>Correct me if I’m wrong on anything

  1. You are very smart and could have had much higher stats if your medical condition didn’t hold you back.
  2. You can be a full pay student if need be. This makes you very attractive to a private school.
  3. You are all better now and will work very hard to once again become the top student that you want to be.
  4. You need a school that caters to “late bloomers”. These are really smart kids who for some reason have gaps in their education or didn’t get serious until it was too late. While not the case for you, you would benefit from being in that kind of environment. </p>

<p>I would look for a school that is still accepting students for Fall 2009 and go for all 4 years. The list is at
[Space</a> Availability Survey Results 2009](<a href=“http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/Research/SpaceAvailabiltySurvey/Pages/SpaceSurveyResults.aspx]Space”>http://www.nacacnet.org/PublicationsResources/Research/SpaceAvailabiltySurvey/Pages/SpaceSurveyResults.aspx)</p>

<p>Perhaps one of the Colleges That Change Lives Would Be Appropriate.
[Colleges</a> That Change Lives](<a href=“http://www.ctcl.org%5DColleges”>http://www.ctcl.org)</p>

<p>The ones on both lists that still have openings are</p>

<p>Denison University (OH)
Eckerd College (FL)
Emory & Henry College (VA)
Hiram College (OH)
Juniata College ¶
Knox College (IL)
Ohio Wesleyan (OH)
College of Wooster (OH)</p>

<p>You don’t have much time to get this done, so move fast. Good luck.</p>

12

<p>If your problem was a mental health issue, scroll up to Northstarmom and check out insights on that subject in her post history. It would be helpful for you to gather some different opinions on strategy before positioning yourself as an applicant.</p>

<p>If money is not too much of an issue, you can take classes almost anywhere as a non-matriculating student. A semester of credits with excellent grades from a great university would help your file, I would think.</p>

13

<p>You may want to talk to your Home & Hospital teachers about letters of recommendation. These people have seen you in action, and know how you struggled to perform, and how you were finally able to succeed.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>