'Rags to Riches' - HS 1.9 to College 3.95 - clean slate vs. rough past?

Colleges & Universities A-Z Johns Hopkins University
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<p>Hey... I did terrible in high school and I dropped out and got my GED...</p>

<p>I am at county college in NJ and I was admitted through their "open-enrollment" meaning all I had to submit was my GED. I was very relieved to never have to send in my high school transcript, since any school I would apply to would only see the good not the bad...</p>

<p>I worked very hard and I have a cul GPA of 3.95 in County College...</p>

<p>I want to take some advanced courses that require minimum high school completion...since I already took these courses in HS (and got Cs) My college counselor tried to convince me that although it is true right now it looks like I am a phenomenal student, sending my high school transcripts would show my determination, a sort of "rags to riches" story. He said its not how far you get, its where your coming from and my terrible high school grades would only serve to strengthen my 'credentials'.</p>

<p>I disagreed, I said that it would hurt me because I would love to goto JHU, and unfortunately bad high school performance could preclude you from eligibility from a top tier school. furthermore, I fear that my academic progress could be attributed to a lack of academic standard at this county college rather than my own success...</p>

<p>I have no idea what to do...I would appreciate anyones insight, , thoughts or comments on this...(especially an admissions representative)</p>

<p>Is it smarter for me to take the remedial pre-reqs rather than send in my high school transcripts?</p>

<p>Is it better to have a clean slate than a rough past?</p>

<p>Sorry its long...thanks</p>

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<p>Post this on the parent’s forum. I think a lot of good advice will come. I guess you want to apply to JHU. </p>

<p>I am not knowledgeable enough answer your question directly, but I can tell you that you are very fortunate to have a counselor working with you in your transfer and your academic future. I think a very strong piece of your admissions package to any school would be an in depth, favorable rec from this counselor. I would work closely with this person. My best of luck to you, and my respect for the counselor who is taking interest and doing a great job.</p>

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<p>It’s always good to have a story. You have a great story.</p>

<p>Doing really well in community college is as good as doing well in high school. Doing really well in community college after completely blowing it in high school shows character, maturity, reliability (you’ve already been de-bugged). Everyone loves to help someone who has been successful at turning his life around, and college admissions people are no exception.</p>

<p>If you really have the goods in terms of grades (in challenging courses), teacher recommendation, and counselor support, I can’t promise you that you will be accepted at Hopkins, but I am 100% confident that no one will be throwing your application out.</p>

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<p>So are you transferring or applying as a freshman?</p>

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<p>transferring hopefully…</p>