Okay to omit certain transcripts when applying for a transfer?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I am seriously considering not submitting transcripts when applying for a transfer. Here's the deal...</p>

<p>At the age of 18 I started school at LSU and flunked out miserably. I got mostly F's and W's, totally screwed myself. Since then I joined the military and really got my act together and in about two years I'll be out and back in school. I went to a military language college that got me around 40 credits with a 3.9 GPA and I have recently started at a local community college and am doing very well. I intend to apply to FSU as a transfer obviously, and the requirement is a 3.0. The problem is, I don't think all my good GPA since then has gotten me back up to a 3.0, and even if it has I really don't want all those terrible grades on my record. So my questions are...</p>

<p>Will schools overlook past mistakes and realize I've made a complete 180 or will I be punished for my stupidity in my younger years? Is it as far as they are concerned a 3.0 is a 3.0 and I'm just screwed?</p>

<p>If I just decided not to send my transcripts from LSU what are odds they'll actually find out about it?</p>

<p>I realize the second option is unethical but it seems like a good way to go. Any advice, insight or feedback would be helpful, negative or positive. I welcome it all.</p>

2

<p>They will realize that you have grown as an adult and should not penalize you for youthful mistakes - you will be treated as a "non-traditional" student, and those are often considered differently.</p>

<p>However, they will not forgive an outright lie, and not sending your transcript from LSU is a lie - particularly since most applications ask what college you've attended, and you certify that your responses are truthful. From the FSU site in particular:
[quote]
Submit official high school and all college/university transcripts (sent directly from each institution).

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Odds that they'll find out - pretty good if you ever applied for financial aid, or if your military file says anything about it.</p>

<p>Didn't the military teach you integrity? To suck it up and take what happens? Put those lessons to work. Put the best "spin" you can on your application and do what you know needs to be done.</p>

<p>You can also call FSU's admissions office and talk to them about the process for non-traditional students.</p>