I’m in my 30s and hoping to transfer from community college to a 4-year university in the next year. Intended major is computer science. My GPA is a 3.7. I live near Pitt, but I’m not even sure that school is within reach.
I don’t have any accomplishments. I’ve worked throughout my adulthood. I’m not part of any clubs, never held any leadership positions (except as an assistant manager in retail), no research or competitions. Just an underwhelming student.
What type of schools are fitting for me? Also, should I consider boosting my profile to increase my chances for a better school?
I forgot to add that my math isn’t stellar. I received a C in Calculus 1. I’m on track to get an A or B in Calculus 2. Did not pass Discrete Math because I didn’t study.
You are a non-traditional age student, so stop worrying about looking like a 20 year old transfer applicant. Colleges and universities certainly do not expect you to have the profile of a kid that age!
You are not an “underwhelming” student. Your GPA is excellent! You are someone who is working (probably full-time) and living a life appropriate for a person of your age, and also are studying (possibly full-time some semesters). It is not easy to earn the GPA you have while working as much as you do.
On Monday, go speak with the Transfer Advisor at your community college. Get help with identifying good places to apply to for transfer. That person will know exactly what your chances are for admission to Pitt for your major because students from your CC apply there every year. Talk with your professors as well. Some of them will have ideas about good places for you to continue your studies.
It’s worth noting that the colleges will look at your work experience as an extracurricular and it should count very favorably.
I agree with the earlier post.
Do you want to stay in the Pitt area?
You may also want to look at some of the Pennsylvania private colleges that have good FA for transfer students. I believe that Lehigh and LaFayette do.
If you want to look even further away, consider George Washington U in DC – FA can be hit or miss but they do offer FA for transfer students.
Also consider –
RPI
Union College in Schnectady NY
University of the Pacific in California (they have coop programs which will help pay for costs)
University of Rochester
Vanderbilt
Wake Forest
Washington University in St. Louis
Wesleyan U in Connecticut
All have FA for transfers, but it’s unclear how much each school offers. They tend to be generous though. The best thing to do is to apply and see what they offer.
@Dustyfeathers, while those are excellent colleges some are not going to be a good option for a nontraditional student in his 30’s. The LACs won’t normally have a single student over 25 or so.
Why Computer Science? Especially if Math isn’t your thing? If it’s the job prospects/pay maybe consider the professional certification path (Cisco/Networking, Computer Security, System administration, etc.) Just an alternative to traditional 4 yr college that could land you in similar jobs.
Oh, wow, thanks for the kind words. It’s just that I read posts from other non-traditional students on this site and they have better “stories” and/or more accomplishments. I feel as if should have more considering my age.
Yes, I’ve studied and worked full-time some semesters. It backfired this year (as reflected by those poor math scores)! I was stressed. I had a 4.0 before I underperformed.
I will take your advice and speak with an advisor after finals. Thanks again.
Hi, thank you for your suggestions! Yes, I’d prefer to remain in Pittsburgh, although I’m open to other locations. I will certainly take a look at the colleges you provided and, hopefully, find a fit.
I didn’t look at my work experience, but I have been in management for a few years. Perhaps that could count for something.
I like math, science and computers. I didn’t want to go into detail, but I took Calculus 1 and Discrete Math at the same time I worked full-time in a mob environment. I was super-stressed and eventually lost motivation. I still have very bad dreams about that job experience, LOL.
Have you considered schools with information studies programs? Syracuse comes to mind. They have a great iSchool and also have a good attitude towards untraditional students. As far as financial aid goes- that might be tough, but you never know.
I don’t know why you don’t think you’d get into Pitt. I think showing that you can keep a GPA above a 3.0 while working full time is a pretty big achievement. And women looking to go into CS or Engineering are always wanted as they tend to be male heavy environments.
Lastly, any school with a graduate program will have older students on campus. So that will help you fit in age wise.
I’m not familiar with information studies. I looked it up - seems ok. I’ll need to do more research. I’m not concerned with the age gap, just the quality of school/program and whether I can pay.