<p>I have got the unfortunate situation of being a student that has got a hold on his transcript. I went to school for just 3 semesters 4 years ago, and have not gathered the money necessary to clear the debt with my former school. </p>
<p>All this being said, what are my chances of starting over as a freshman? I have heard from several that it can be done, yet I remain doubtful. I am not ashamed of my grades, nor am I attempting to hide them from a prospective transfer school. I just cannot simply provide the transcript because of the large debt I owe, and do not forsee this debt being repaid anytime soon. I am willing to bite the bullet and start over in hopes of eventually doing something constructive with my academics.</p>
<p>How do you expect to pay for college if you can't clear your debt with your fromer college? I think this may be a more important problem to solve than what you posted.</p>
<p>It's funny because I just had this same conversation yesterday with my next door neighbor who is an admissions at a prestigious school here. Her response is there is no such thing as starting over as a freshman and acting like your previous record does not exist (she said that they are actually asked this question). Attempt to do so otherwise would be misrepresentation where they would not hesitate to rescind your admission. </p>
<p>If you were to go to law school, this would you get you tossed out because the ethics and character statement you must sign. your "starting over and neglecting to say anything about it can keep you from being admitted to the bar.</p>
<p>You should truthfully explain your situation.</p>
<p>Other posters are correct that your debt with your other school will come up in various places, namely your credit report will will be used in the event that you have to borrow money for college.</p>
<p>I also encountered this problem -- contact your original school and ask to speak with someone "higher up" than the clerk that answers the phone. explain to them that you are going back to school, that you acknowledge that you have a debt to them and that you cannot go back to school without the transcript. See if they will set up a payment schedule to pay off your debt in exchange for the transcript release. Do some negotiating. </p>
<p>Also do the same explaining where you now want to attend college. see if they will accept an unofficial transcript or if they are willing to admit you knowing that you have credits coming that you are working on getting released.</p>
<p>This problem isn't all that uncommon and hopefully you can work something out. Just make sure to talk to someone other than the person answering the phone, you need to talk to someone who can make a decision. Contact both the registrars office and billing and keep at it.</p>