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

Colleges and Universities A-Z California Institute of Technology
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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 attend Caltech, 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>I was recently admitted to Caltech as a transfer student from a community college. My high school record wasnt the greatest...
In cc I have a 3.9... GPA (70 credits), it is to my belief (I'm not an expert) that your college counselor was right. It is not about how bad your HS record is, it is about you. How you have grown in/out of the classroom. What is your true passion? Why do you want to attend Caltech?
If you are taking a rigorous course load, honors program (if available), engaged in student organizations, and etc... I think that you are on the right path.
I think that Caltech is one of the few schools that care less about HS record and more about your actual potential.</p>

<p>P.S
In addition to the listed above, you should be prepared for the transfer exams.</p>

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<p>i don't have any insight, but i just wanted to say congratulations on the huge gpa increase, clearly you are awesome and have lots of determination</p>