nontraditional transfer student-advice please?

College Search & Selection
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<p>I'm a community college student (dependent), one class short of completing my associate of arts degree. First generation college student (neither of my parents graduated high school) and holding a 3.5 GPA.</p>

<p>Nontraditional as in, although I was on the honor roll in my honors classes in high school, I dropped out in sophomore year. I had severe depression/PTSD/anxiety/eating disorders and was sexually abused from a absurdly young age (is it silly that I even feel this is relevant?) that was never addressed until the past 2 years. My high school and middle school counselor now tells me I gotten my GED and go to community college straight away at the age of 15, because I was not having high school.. I just had nothing in common with any of my peers (maturity level being the biggest factor) and no family support. </p>

<p>So, I seriously dream at night about attending a women's college (Mills, Hollins, Agnes Scott, Chatham.. I don't expect the seven sisters or anything ha), but I don't know if it's even a realistic aspiration for someone in my shoes.</p>

<p>For one, I have no ECs, that seems to be a big deal. Two, my GPA is just ok (I am retaking some classes that I didn't do so hot in early in my college career and it will totally put me closer to a 3.7, but still). And three, I would be ENTIRELY dependent on whatever financial aid, my family is totally in the lowest tax bracket ha.</p>

<p>However, I have an excellent rapport with several of my prior college teachers and former employers. I'm a hard worker and my sole desire in life is to help the less fortunate. I think my early struggles were beneficial in the end because I have an unreal compassion and empathy for others.</p>

<p>I've already been accepted to my 'safe' in-state school, do you guys think it'd even be worth applying to these women's colleges? I really want to get out of my region and throw myself into academia, it's always been my first love. Thanks for reading, sorry for the life story, any advice would be incredibly appreciated.</p>

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<p>I’d go for it. It sounds like it’s your dream and, given your financial situation, you might be able to request fee waivers for your applications? (I’m not positive on this last point, but you could probably research that possibility with the schools that you apply to.)</p>

<p>That said, maybe try applying to a seven sisters college, too? Just in case? :D</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>Go for it!!! I applied to Hollins, ASC, Smith, Bryn Mawr, and MoHo as a transfer with similar high school situation and I got into all but Mount Holyoke (waitlisted), with VERY generous need-based aid at Smith & Bryn Mawr, and a pretty good combo of need-based/merit aid at ASC & Hollins. Your recommendations and essays are such a huge part of the transfer app process (esp with a GPA anywhere about 3.5), I think that for you, even with your nontraditional circumstances, there is no harm in applying! You mentioned having a good rapport with former employers, so I’m assuming at some point in the past couple years you’ve held down a job, and if so, that definitely counts as an EC. And if you feel comfortable “reaching for the stars”, so to speak, I would try applying at Smith. Here, admissions truly seems to appreciate hardworking students from nontraditional backgrounds. </p>

<p>If you have any more transfer questions (regarding essays, etc) please feel free to PM me, and good luck!</p>