So I’ve been studying Electrical Engineering as a student at Virginia Tech for the past 3 years after transferring from NVCC. I’ve had a tough time here and struggled to complete several classes. I was placed on academic probation after the Fall Semester of 2015 and had to get to a 2.21 in-major GPA by the end of the 2016 Spring semester. I had a tough time during the Spring semester. I was dealing with a lot of stress due to being on probation, parents pressuring me to graduate, and came down with a severe cold in the middle of the semester. I don’t party, drink alcohol, or do any kind of drugs. I’ve always been kind of shy and try to keep things to myself. To cope with the stress, I would play video games which cut into my time which could’ve been used for studying, meeting with professors and TAs, etc. So after my spring semester I wasn’t able to pass a class and it prevented me from meeting the required GPA. I’m not going to use any of those things that I mentioned above as an excuse. I could have asked for help, manage my time better, met with my advisors more often. I wouldn’t be in this situation if I was more responsible of my education.
I decided to take a semester break from school and took the time to re-evaluate my life and my future. I decided to come back to school for the Spring 2017 semester but found out that I cannot sign up for any ECE classes due to violating the University’s Policy 91(Policy 91 is making satisfactory progress towards your degree for those who aren’t familiar). To be honest, I was really upset when I heard this. I couldn’t believe that I put myself in this kind of situation. I know that I messed up and there is no one to blame except myself. So I asked the transitional academic advisor about my possible options. My options are to:
- Change my major
- Try to appeal my Policy 91 Suspension
- Transfer to George Mason
At this point, changing my major would mean extending my college studies. It would be tough on me and my parents to afford such a change. I have only about 22 in-major credits left until I can graduate. I am planning to appeal my suspension and if my appeal is granted, I would be eligible to take ECE classes again after Spring 2017. But my advisor said that my chances for my appeal to be granted would be pretty low. If my appeal doesn’t get granted then I cannot continue being an Electrical Engineering major at Virginia Tech. I want to know my chances of being able to transfer to George Mason. It is about a 20 minute drive from my house back in Northern Virginia and my brother currently goes there. I’ve already been accepted once before as a transfer student from NVCC, but my GPA is only a 2.23 at Virginia Tech. Given my situation, would it be possible for me to be accepted again as a transfer student? My current plan for this semester is to take elective classes that are required for all majors, that way I can still make progress towards my degree. I know I put myself in this situation and I’m trying to get some advice. Thank you for reading through all of this and any comments would be appreciated.
TL:DR I was placed on academic probation in Fall 2015 and had until Spring 2016 to get my GPA up. I failed a class and it put me on a Policy 91 suspension. Now my options are to change my major, appeal my suspension, or transfer to George Mason. Current plan for this semester is to take elective courses that are required for all majors, so I can make progress towards my degree. Any feedback or advice would be helpful. Thank you.