<p>My name is Carlos and I'm 20 years of age. I graduated high school two years ago and I am now looking for an undergraduate program that caters to adult or nontraditional students like myself. I live in New York City and would like to move to another state or country where I'll be able to dorm on campus. My high school grades are poor (1.5 gpa) but I am fairly smart--I got into the nontraditional programs at NYU as well as Fordham University. They were able to look past my high school grades. I wrote a solid essay explaining my poor performance and my experiences after high school. I have not taken the sat/act, so I need a school that does not require them. I would greatly appreciate any help. Thank you.</p>
<p>Carlos
many students take a year or two off after college and still fit in fine on campus with other freshmen ( including my daughter)
Additonally many students don't even graduate till they are 19, so I would't consider you Non-traditional, apart from that you obviously didn't prepare in high school to attend college right away.</p>
<p>Your high school grades might work against you- but I think you should not rule out schools that use the SAT/ACT.
There are lots of practice websites to help you become more comfortable with the exam
but this link also has schools which deemphasize test scores
<a href="http://www.fairtest.org/%5B/url%5D">http://www.fairtest.org/</a></p>
<p>but have you taken any college courses? taking a class or at Fordham or NYU or even a good community college, would help you build your skills so that you can make the most of whatever college you do decide to attend fulltime</p>
<p>It looks as though you are limiting yourslef to four-year colleges. I think your best bet is to prove your intelligence by attending a two-year community college and then onward and upward. Not only will your HS grades matter very little - lots of colleges know that many kids don't mature until later in life, but they will see your grades which should bear out your intelligence.</p>
<p>Some years ago a relative of mine was in a similar situation. They decided to attend community college within the CUNY system, where they earned a 4.0 gpa and was in the honor society. They were sought after by Vassar and Amherst after completion of an associates degree.</p>
<p>Carlos, What are you interested in doing? What type of school would you be interested in (university, liberal arts, tech, big, small, urban, rural...)?</p>
<p>keep in mind that many affordable schools will be state schools -- so going out of state will cost more since you would be paying out of state costs. Until you turn 24 you are a legal dependent, so you state of residence will be that of your parents and you will need to submit financial documents with your parents information. Your financial aid will be dependent on your parent's income and assets -- are they going to be willing to help you out?</p>
<p>Lots of Evergreen students move there ahead of time to establish residency. Then the tuition is very reasonable, about $4K. They do require SAT or ACT, but I think they are more interested in students who are willing to work and interested in learning. Have you tried taking a practice ACT? You might do ok.</p>
<p>You would have more choices if you take a few courses in a non degree program or community college program and do well. A school might really hesitate about that low gpa that you had in highschool, and wonder if you are capable of college level work.</p>