Seeking A.A. Transfer w/ 2.08 GPA as Veteran w/ Mental-illness

State Forums
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<p>After searching this forum, I was unable to find any threads from people who have been in a similar situation as myself. So here’s my story:</p>

<p>I was medically (and honorably) discharged from the military for anxiety and panic disorder. After discharge, I enrolled at FSCJ. For the first few terms I did alright, until I relapsed back into my anxiety/panic issues. Long story short, my GPA dropped below a 2.0, which in the past two terms I was able to bring back up to a 2.08. By the end of this term, I should have a 2.26 (I’m unsure if rounding is a factor).</p>

<p>It was my understanding that an A.A. would grant you admission to any of the 11 public universities in Florida. After speaking with FSU, UF, UCF, and UNF regarding their GPA requirements, I feel as though I was misinformed. The requirements I was told are as follows:</p>

<p>[ol]
[<em>]FSU: 2.5
[</em>]UF: 2.5
[<em>]UCF: 2.7 (with the additional words, “to be competitive”)
[</em>]UNF: 2.3 (again, “to be competitive”)
[/ol]</p>

<p>Demoralizing as this information was, I decided to do a little research. The following is from [Regulation</a> 6.004](<a href=“http://www.flbog.edu/documents_regulations/regulations/6%20004%20Admission%20of%20Undergraduate%20Degree%20Seeking%20Transfer%20Students%20(mv%20edits).pdf]Regulation”>http://www.flbog.edu/documents_regulations/regulations/6%20004%20Admission%20of%20Undergraduate%20Degree%20Seeking%20Transfer%20Students%20(mv%20edits).pdf), relevant information highlighted:

<a href=“3”>b</a> Associate in Arts (AA) Degree Graduates from Florida College System
Institutions and SUS Universities.<a href=“a”>/b</a>


An AA graduate from a Florida public postsecondary institution shall receive 
priority for admission to a state university over out-of-state transfer students.

Recruitment materials, catalogs, orientation programs, and student handbooks
provided to freshman enrollees and transfer students at state universities shall
include an explanation of this provision.
(b) Within curriculum, space, and fiscal limitations, admission to the upper division
of one of the state universities shall be granted to an AA graduate of a Florida
public postsecondary institution, provided the AA degree has been awarded
based on the following:

  1. Completion of sixty (60) semester hours of college credit courses in an
    established program of study, exclusive of courses not accepted in the
    state university system, and including a general education core curriculum
    of thirty-six (36) semester hours of college credit in communication,
    mathematics, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences with the
    remaining twenty-four (24) semester hours consisting of appropriate
    common program prerequisite courses and electives.

Achievement of a grade point average of at least 2.0 in all courses 
attempted,

and in all courses taken at the institution awarding the degree,
provided that only the final grade received in courses repeated by the student
shall be used in computing the average. The grade of “D” shall transfer and
count toward the associate and baccalaureate degrees in the same way as “D”
grades obtained by native students.


The 60 hours that comprise a completed 
AA degree shall be accepted in total upon transfer to an upper division 
program.

Subsequent admission to a limited access degree program, as
defined in BOG Regulation 8.013, may require a higher overall grade point
average than 2.0.
3. Completion of requirements for English and mathematics courses as adopted
by the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education.
4. Achievement of the minimum standards for college level communication and
computation skills as required by section 1007.25, Florida Statutes.
(c) The AA degree is the primary basis for admission of transfer students from
Florida College System institutions to upper division study in a state university.
Every AA graduate from the Florida College System shall be granted admission
to an upper division program consistent with the Articulation Agreement
between the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education.

This is conflicting information. As the regulation stands, I should be guaranteed priority over out-of-state students regardless of their qualifications, due to my receipt of an A.A. degree. Information from other members on this board has lent to my confusion as well:

</p>

<p>As I’m not trying to enter a limited-access program, will I face any problems applying? I’m certain I can successfully appeal any decision on the basis of my mental illness as I have documentation, records, and doctors willing to provide statements. As a veteran I’m sure getting legal counsel for such an issue wouldn’t be a problem. But right now, I’m not even sure appealing is possible in trying to gain acceptance.</p>

<p>Has anybody else been in a similar situation, or could anybody shed some light on these issues? I’ve made great strides to keep myself level and now I’m just fed up with this sickness plaguing my life.</p>

<p>Thanks for your help in advance.</p>

2

<p>Not all Universities in Florida have to accept someone with an AA, only those that have a “transfer contract” with a linked community college. For example, HCC in Tampa has a contract with USF that as long as you have a 2.0 and an AA you are guaranteed admission. However, some of the college themselves (ie. college of business, etc) can also set their own GPA standards and decide whether or not they want to admit you to the program since most popular majors are considered “limited access.” Check to see if your 2 year college has an agreement with any of the local universities around you. What major is it exactly you are trying to get into?</p>