Looking for the right fit..older returning student

Parents Forum
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<p>To all experienced ccers, I need help and direction. My son who is 24 finally wants to go to college and is very enthusiastic.<br>
Some issues include:
Has an OK h.s. gpa around 3.0
Went to cc out of high school for 1 year and really messed up.(not sure how to expunge those grades!)
Is ADD, but medicates now and is pretty focused
Has been working as a classroom aide for 4 years and has new respect for education
Wants to stay in Southern California
Wants to major in Communications with an athro or ancient civilzations minor</p>

<p>He is returning to cc for a year, but really wants to attend a 4 year college asap</p>

<p>Any advice or direction appreciated!</p>

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<p>State colleges (such as San Jose State in the bay area) are full of older students.</p>

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<p>many of the people at CSU schools are older students who, like your son, worked a few years and then realized life would be better with a 4-year degree. Some are taking only 1-2 classes and working full time. I don't know if that gives the best college environment, but its doable. Your son needs to start working with the transfer center at his CC; they are well versed in the requirements and can tell your son what they've heard back from former students they've sent along to various schools.</p>

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<p>I am also an older student who returned to community college at age 22. Due to managing both work and school, it has taken me three years to transfer and I will not be graduating until age 27. </p>

<p>At the community college, many counselors tried to push me toward the CSU system. I find this attitude a bit frustrating. If he is willing to work hard and has developed a passion for learning, he should go to a UC! Each UC has different admission standards, allowing something for everyone. </p>

<p>My boyfriend and I are both transferring to Berkeley this year. He started off with mediocre grades, but through hard work brought his gpa up to a 3.7 by the time he transferred. Trust me when I say that it is not too late for your son to go to a great school!</p>

<p>Your son’s life experience can be covered in his personal statement, making him an even better candidate. Another positive about transferring at a later age is that your son can register as an independent and thus get a better financial aid package. Although I was discouraged from the UC system because of the cost, I will only be paying 5,500 per year for a total of 2 years. In addition, there are many scholarships out there for re-entry students that had to overcome life challenges. </p>

<p>As a transfer student, High school gpa does not count at all. As for the poor grades at his community college, there are several ways this can be corrected. Many schools allow academic renewal of D’s and F’s after several years. Policies vary by school, but if this is done these grades will show up as an X and not count against his gpa. He can also retake classes to replace other grades. In addition, classes that are not transferable will not count against you if you transfer to a UC. Because my boyfriend took many vocational classes, he found that his gpa was not as bad as he originally thought. </p>

<p>If your son is willing to work really hard and get great grades, a varying transcript can actually work to his advantage. Colleges LOVE for well-rounded students who have learned from their mistakes and improved. This is sometimes preferable to someone who has always churned out straight A’s and has a boring background. </p>

<p>If he does not have too many bills accumulated, he should avoid working after transfer— if possible. I worked full time while at the community college to save off money and to pay off bills. By the time I was ready to transfer, I was able to quite my job and focus on school. My financial aid package covers housing and all expenses. </p>

<p>Sorry for this extremely long post, but I want your son to know that it is never too late. I was once drowning with bills, in an emotionally abusive relationship, and felt that I could never go back to school. With strength and perseverance, I am now getting ready to attend UC Berkeley!</p>

<p>There are many resources for transfer and re-entry students. He needs to begin by speaking to a counselor at his community college and finding out all the different options. I could go on and on about the different steps to take, but right now I would just like to emphasize that it is never too late. Try the UC transfers forum for more information, or PM me if you have any other questions. Good luck!</p>

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<p>You may want to consider the University of Arizona. I know it's outside your geographical specs, but the second largest student population (after in-state Arizona residents) is Southern Californians. The strength of the school for your student is the SALT center, a fee-based program run by U of A to provide complete support for students with learning disabilities or attention issues. Their services include course planning, tutoring, writing support, note-taking and more. It can really make the difference in keeping an at-risk student on track.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the input. Karabear, thanks for all the insight and encouragement. I too have found cc pushing state colleges and my D already had a horrible experience there and is now at a great LAC. I believe she has been a great inspirtation to her older brother! S is meeting with the cc transfer counselor this week. Thanks especially for the info on old bad grades. I think they were not transferable, so that is very hopeful!!</p>

<p>I can't wait to share your post with him!</p>

<p>Silicon, yes I've heard of the great support system at Uof A from a friend. We'll see ,I keep encouraging him to look beyond socal!</p>

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<p>JC, I pm'ed you.</p>

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<p>While an LAC or OOS school would probably offer small class sizes and a better support system, the California Community College system is set up to reward students who transfer directly back into their own system. An all too common occurrence for transfer students is that a school will only take SOME of his GEs upon transfer. Your son might find himself staying an extra year to retake classes that his 4 year school did not deem worthy. </p>

<p>IGETC prevents this by certifying that your son is done with his general ed. That way, a school cannot pick apart and reject any of his transferable classes. You can find more information at igetc.org</p>

<p>Another important resource is assist.org
Just pick his community college and your son's major at his desired 4 year schools. The website will inform him what classes he needs to take to prepare for his major. The best course of action is to pick a couple of schools and take classes which are accepted at as many schools as possible. I know he wants to transfer quickly, but it is extremely important to complete 60 units before transfer. Otherwise, he will not be igetc certified and the school will begin to reject some of his classes.</p>

<p>These resources do not apply to schools outside the CSU or UC system. He will likely have to retake classes at any other school. California has one of the best community college systems in the country because it is designed to ease the transfer process for students like your son. Keep this in mind as you compile your list of schools.</p>

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<p>JC: Much depends on what your S is ready to do as far as his committment to study. The UC's are by far and away superior to U of A, BUT the competition and study demands are too. U of A and the CSU's are challenging, without being overwhelming. If cost is not an issue, there are some great small schools in So Cal, but they are private and so, more expensive.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the posts, Went to transfer counselor today at local reputable cc...it looks pretty good and she was very encouraging!</p>

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<p>ROTFLMAO, when I saw the title for this thread, I clicked in, thinking I might have something to add because my brother-in-law started college at age 50. He and his 2 daughters all go to different colleges, but sometimes study together (one's D is a freshman, other D a sophomore). </p>

<p>Hardest thing for him was when he took History courses and his professor, who was around 35, made a few factual errors about the Nixon administration. My Bro-in-law had lived through it. He wanted to correct her, but did it very tactfully after class, rather than in front of everyboy. </p>

<p>So, to all you oldies in your mid-twenties, you are doing the right thing to go back to college now. I'm outa here, nothing to add except what I just said!</p>

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<p>Sorry for the mislead! I am also in college, grad school at 53...my tag woul have been "old returning student" lol, but thanks anyway for the comment! And yes sometimes it is hard to hold your tongue in class!!!</p>

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<p>Not in CA, but Evergreen State in Olympia, WA has many older students in its population. I think if your son worked in-state for a year, he could be considered in-state for tuition. The school is about 4,000 students and would provide the LAC experience. Not sure about resources for special needs.</p>

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<p>I'm a nontraditional student. Feel free to PM me with any questions. :)</p>