<p>Hello, I've recently gotten out of the Navy after 4 years of service. I'm moving back to my home state of Texas and I plan on starting college again either in the summer or fall. I don't know my high school GPA off the top of my head but I made A's and B's. My ACT composite was 25. I did one semester at Texas Tech before I joined the Navy, but I didn't take it seriously and ended up with an A, B, and 2 classes that I failed because I didn't bother to show up for the finals. I've grown up a lot since then and I'm ready to take education serious this time.</p>
<p>Will colleges look past my previous poor performance in light of my service? What colleges in Texas would I have a realistic shot at getting in to? I'd prefer to stay around Dallas/Fort Worth because of family but I'd weigh all options.</p>
<p>There is a Veterans sub-forum here at CC that can be found inside the College Admissions Forum, under the heading “Specialty College Admissions Topics”. You should be able to find some useful information there. <a href=“Veterans - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/veterans/</a> You also should check the websites of the colleges and universities that you are interested in for veteran-specific information. Many have admissions officers who just handle the veterans and can help you find out what to do about your specific situation.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best in your new civilian life!</p>
<p>I recommend contacting one or two of the state universities in the DFW metro area, and ask to speak to their veterans admissions counselor. Most large universities know how to handle veterans, and have dealt with plenty of people like you. </p>
<p>I suggest looking at the University of North Texas, U.Texas-Arlington, and U.Texas-Dallas. Start by just asking them questions. They can probably tell your options better than anybody on this website.</p>
<p>Also community colleges are an excellent place to begin. Do well at one for two years, and then transfer to a four-year university. However, my guess is that you can start at a regular college. Your ACT is definitely decent.</p>
<p>Finally, aim high. My experience is that veterans are much more mature than average college students and thus do very well. Apply to at least five colleges, with at least one being a school that you doubt would take you (but that you like anyway).</p>
<p>My prediction? The University of North Texas probably would take you, and U.Texas-Arlington and U.Texas-Dallas also might take you. Definitely apply to all three, plus at least two more.</p>