<p>I've realized that I want to better my life by going to a top University. I'd like to share my academic story so I can get some help from this forum. I'd appreciate it so much!</p>
<p>In 2006 I graduated from high school-I was 18 at the time. I decided to go to community college so I could earn the credits needed to apply to a University. My brother graduated from USC (Southern Cal) film school so it was expected of me that I go to USC. Unfortunately, I didn't work to my full potential in community college and after two years of it I decided to attend a music business trade school (Musicians Institute.) I'm now 21 and have realized that music business isn't necessarily what I want to do anymore. I've grown tired of learning this one subject for the past 6 months. I don't feel well rounded and want a real college experience. I'll be graduating from MI this March with a music business certificate. I've had these demons for a few months. I disappointed my parents somewhat by decided to go to a trade school instead of a top Uni. I want to make them proud and graduate from USC like my brother or another top Uni. </p>
<p>I currently don't know what I want to do in terms of a major. I've decided to go back to community college and give it another shot-no giving up this time. My top school choices are (in order of preference):</p>
<p>USC
UCLA
UC Berkley
UC Santa Barbara
UCSD
UCI</p>
<p>What do you guys think of my current situation? I'm thinking of applying to all these schools as an undecided major. Will that hurt my chances considering I'll be about 23 when I'll be applying (especially when it comes to USC as it is my first choice) ? Any advice?</p>
<p>You might want to pick a major before applying, only because you don't want it to look like you're going in blindly risking another meltdown like musicians institute imo. pick something that works and you WANT and show them you want it. </p>
<p>hows your GPA/EC's/volunteer work?
list all your stats so we can better help you out</p>
<p>Right now my GPA is 3.7-but that's coming from a trade school-Musicians Institute. Those credits don't transfer to a university. But it would be nice to put on a resume. </p>
<p>I don't have much volunteer work. I did a food drive this year. That's it. I want to get involved in as much as I can possibly handle while getting good grades. Right now I'm doing an internship at a music library. I can write that on my college resume as well.</p>
<p>I think you would have way too many credits to apply to any school. You stated that you went to a CC for 2 yrs. If you plan to spend another 2 yrs at a community college wouldn't you have way over the limit? Schools tend to discourage having so many units and in some cases will not even consider you.</p>
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Schools tend to discourage having so many units and in some cases will not even consider you.
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<p>This is true... if the OP reaches what the UC's define as "senior standing" they will basically not even consider the applicant. This means they go over a certain amount of units, but some of them must be from an accredited 4-year university. So, the deal-breaker for the UC's will be whether the units from MI are accredited to however the UC's define it (I'm sure you can find it somewhere). </p>
<p>If you go back to cc and do well you will probably have the opportunity to apply for academic renewal to get your old grades off your gpa... it can typically only be used for terms 2+ years ago so that would actually work for you. AR will only be helpful for the public universities though, private schools like USC don't recognize it.</p>
<p>It's one of the reasons, but it's not THE reason I'm doing it. I think most children want to make their parents proud. I'm doing it mainly for myself. I want an experience, a well rounded education, and a better shot at making a good living. I ordered transcripts from both CC's I attended and will post the grades ASAP. From what I remember I didn't pass too many classes...</p>
<p>Don't UC's consider the last 60 units you took anyway?</p>