I could use some advice/knowledge on applying to a University:
I’m applying this fall (2017 for Fall 2018) and I’m nervous that I’ll be applying with a 2.8 GPA. Although, my GPA is low I plan on completing 60 units (by Spring 2018) with a 3.3-3.4 GPA.
I started community college off poorly, I have 4-5 C’s on my transcript. But, I have an upward grade trend since last year I’ve maintained a 3.0-3.5 GPA (averaging to 2.8).
I don’t have very many extra curricular activities and I’ve been doing a lot of reasearch on how work experience can be beneficial when applying (not very much info online about that). Anyway, I believe my circumstance will be different than other students.
During my senior year of HS my mom became sick and was not able to work for nearly 2 years, therefore, I began working. Seven months after I started my first job (at 19) I was promoted to a management position. I did that for nearly 3 years. I was working full time 5 days a week and the other 2 days I was going to school. I really struggled during this time, I wasn’t just slacking off “just because”. I was waking up for work at 4am everyday for nearly 3 years while trying to be a student. I sacrificed a lot: social life, holidays etc. My mom became well enough that she was able to start working again the end of last year, and I decided to quit my full time job and become a full time student with a part-time supervisor job. I’m just wondering if my circumstance will mean something to the colleges I apply to? I’m not looking for anyway to sympathize with my life, just chance me. I’m months away from applying and if anyone with a similar situation can tell me their story, I’d appreciate it.
My major is communications and my top school choice is Cal State Fullerton, and I’m out of area.
Upward trend has to be really good if you’re aiming for top tier UCs I don’t know if 3.0-3.5 would be considered strong… Perhaps UCSD (kind of a reach) but I think it’ll be a major reach for UCLA/UCB. If started with a low GPA but maintained a 4.0-3.9 for several semesters then I would say you’ve got a shot. Happened to a friend of mine (got into UCLA with a 3.45gpa) and to myself to a lesser extent. I don’t know if UCB has a minimum GPA requirement but UCLA has a 3.4 by the time you apply. Keep in mind that the GPA they will have when deciding whether to admit you or not will be your fall grades. They aren’t going to see your spring grades until after they send out decisions.
If you’re aiming for CSUs you would be a good for a number of them if you can keep your GPA up and complete pre-reqs thats it really. Good luck
Thank you for replying! I’m definitely condidering more CSU’s rather than UC’s, UCSD is the one UC I’ll be applying to. I was hoping to have increased my GPA a lot since last year, but I can only do my best from here on out and see where it gets me.
My advice is checking the minimum GPA for transfer students out of the local area for CSU Fullerton. Some schools require a higher GPA for out of area students than for locals. For example, last fall, CSUN required a 3.9 transfer GPA for all out of area transfers, but a 2.9 (I think it was that low) for local area students. I’m pretty sure that I was denied admission at SDSU this fall because I was out of the local area (I’m in Ventura county), with only a 3.78 GPA. I will be going to CSUN this fall as a local area transfer student.
I am glad to read that your mother is doing better. I also dropped school to care for my mother, which I did for seven years before she passed away. Congratulations on going back to school and good luck with your transfer!
Jenxner,
I’m really sorry to hear about your mom, but congratulations on CSUN! She would be very proud of you. And thank you, I’m very lucky to have my mom today.
I haven’t been able to find much information about out of local GPA (specifically CSUF) only past forums on here saying minimum 3.4 for consideration. I’m being open minded about school choices but I did a lot of research on CSUF and fell in love with the school. I live in NORCAL and there are plenty of options here, just not one that feels as right for me.
Small world, I’m originally from NorCal! 
The CSU Fullerton site mentions they are impacted, which I believe every CSU is. It’s weird how their site doesn’t mention a numerical GPA requirement anywhere.
http://arsftpdev.fullerton.edu/admissions/prospectivestudent/transferlocaladmissionarea.php
Are you working toward an AA-T (sometimes called ADT)? This helps get you a spot into a CSU, sometimes your first choice, sometimes not. The info is here: http://arsftpdev.fullerton.edu/admissions/prospectivestudent/TransferDegree.php
Have you checked the CSU Fullerton threads here? Maybe reviewing some of the past year’s transfer applicant threads can help figure what a good transfer GPA would be for them.
Thank you for attaching the link! The minimum GPA req. is 2.0 for CAL STATES…So, meeting minimum req. is hard to interpret the standards I would have to meet. I wish they would just say their minimum for out of local!
I actually didn’t consider pursuing my AA-T, but I’ll look into it more. My counselor has talked to me about it before.
I have checked many CSUF threads but not many communications major comment on them, or people in similar circumstances to mine.
Hi!
I’m a community college student as well. I originally started college off bad, well at least I felt I did. I got my first F in College Algebra in Fal 2014. I was placed in an honors UC transfer program that let me retake the class during a short term semester. I retook the class and received (F,D,D) so I was forced to take it outside my district, ended up with an A on my first try. I also retook a intro to soc class (my major) 3 times (W,D,A) awkward, right? Aside from that I also have two C’s on my transcript. I spoke to my counselor and did academic renewal on the grades weighing down on my overall GPA. I currently have a 3.7 overall. I was accepted to UCB, UCD, UCSD, UCI, UCR, LMU, Pepperdine and all Cal-States I applied to. I’m still waiting on USC and Pitzer. I was rejected by UCLA. Don’t loose faith in admission to other campuses. They take upward trends into consideration far more than the overall GPA’s. I did bad my first year but my last two have been great. Do your best to complete the IGETC/ Genera Education Breadth with the best grades possible.
@darlenez I really appreciate you telling me this! It genuinely made me feel relieved. Ive been working extremely hard and I’m not the same student now that I was prior years. I have C’s dragging me down but I’ve maintained A’s and B’s since last year. You’ve motivated me so much, and good luck/congratulations with whichever school you choose