<p>So here is my dillemma..(I apologize in advance for the lengthy post)</p>
<p>After HS, I enrolled in a Community College. Soon after, I withdrew from my classes with no financial impact as my classes were paid in full. I took time off and then enrolled in a very very VERY small "career school" where I would receive a certification in my field and an associates degree.</p>
<p>Almost 75% of the way through, I decided I wanted to leave and go back to Community College. I left the career school and enrolled in CC and took out loans this time. I didn't even make it until the middle of the semester when I decided to leave and go back to the career school. </p>
<p>Since I left mid way through the semester, I owe the school money, which was expected. I was doing well back in the career school until I had a problem with my attendance. I was put on a contract which I soon violated. Needless to say, I was dismissed. I had less than two months left in the career school and my grades were C's or better. Now, I am going to owe the CC AND the career school and I have nothing to show for it. (Yeah, I know I'm a total screw up..)</p>
<p>The career school has dual admissions with two local universities. Should I get my transcripts from the career school and try my luck transferring? Or, would it make more sense to totally start from the beginning?</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated. :-)</p>
<p>You're not a total screw up.</p>
<p>I don't think it's ever too late to start over. You obviously recognize that you've had a few missteps in the past, but I don't think it's anything that would keep you from starting over or perhaps transferring. First and foremost, I would suggest that you take an honest and objective look at what's motivating you.</p>
<p>You basically acknowledged that you tend to start classes and then walk away from them without finishing. So if I were you, I would ask myself if I'm ready to commit to a school, degree program or whatever -- and if you are, then work hard to finish every class you enroll in. I mean, if you're serious about finishing school, then you gotta stick with it. Of course college has it's up and downs; sometimes it's great and exciting and sometimes it's really overwhelming. We've all been there. But if it's important to you, then stick with it.</p>
<p>Whether you decide to start fresh or transfer, just make sure that you're ready get back in there and finish what you started. :)</p>
<p>
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Or, would it make more sense to totally start from the beginning?
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</p>
<p>Whenever you apply to college, you are not "allowed" to start from the beginning. Applications will ask about all past college enrollments, and answering dishonestly---even if it's for the "right" reasons (e.g., you want to start fresh with a clean slate)--could cost dearly. If you are found out (which is likely, especially if you apply for financial aid), you could be dismissed from your transfer college. (I've even heard tales of transfers who were expelled just months before graduation when lies about past matriculation were unearthed.)</p>
<p>So, I advise you NOT to pretend that college never happened to you. But, take heart, your "screw ups" are not the kinds of things that worry admission officials. They tend to be wary of mistakes that suggest serious--and possibility unchangeable--character flaws (e.g.,cheating, hate crimes, violence). But that's not you. Many adcoms will be sympathetic to your youthful indecision, as long as you can convince them that you're ready to buckle down. </p>
<p>As "Snarekick" says, the key to be sure, yourself, that you're really ready. If yes, get your transcripts and try again. Good luck!</p>
<p>I don't know the answer to this, but I'm just posing the question - </p>
<p>Would a regular university or community college (outside of the local two universities affiliated with the career school you are speaking about) request, require and/or even want a transcript from a "career school" like a Katherine Gibbs/ITT Tech type of school? Or are they just primarily concerned with official college transcripts? Would a career school qualify as a "previous enrollment?" I'd confirm with universities/schools you are looking into for the future. If they didn't want the career school transcript, it would be less to explain on your applications...</p>
<p>You can always turn lemons into lemonade. It's the story, how/why you have changed, and the progress you can demonstrate. G/L! :D</p>
<p>Tanya922 makes a good point. Admission officials may not be interested in transcripts from "proprietary colleges" (for-profit career-oriented schools). But it's best to err on the side of caution and ask. Most admission officials do want to know how applicants have used their time since finishing high school, and if there are gaps that are unaccounted for, they may wonder what was going on ... or even think the worst. :eek:</p>