Transfer or older student: How can I get into a school with my record? Exceptions?

<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I am new to the whole college process, and I need some advice.</p>

<p>I left high school my junior year because of non academic reasons. Soon after, I tested for my GED. My GPA while in high school wasn’t too great (can't remember). I never took the SAT’s.</p>

<p>I went to community college for almost 2 years and have 34 credits from that. My GPA wasn’t too great there either.</p>

<p>After that, I enlisted in the US Army and served for 4 years.</p>

<p>I know I will have a tough time getting into a school (and any school isn't good enough to be honest). I am looking into alternative type liberal arts schools because they seem to be a great fit (I wish I had known these existed earlier, as I probably would have made some different decisions). I am not restricting myself to that obviously, but after researching, I feel excited about some of these and think this might be the right direction for me.</p>

<p>I am in search of a school that is the right fit for me, and also a school that I will be able to get into, somehow.</p>

<p>Despite my records, I have the ability to go just about anywhere and succeed, however I do recognize that I am certainly at a disadvantage. I haven't been in school in a very long time, while my future peers will have the information fresh in their minds.</p>

<p>I'm bumping this. Someone has to have something to say.</p>

<p>It's amazing how every other thread gets some kind of response, but I'm sitting here with nothing.</p>

<p>Try consulting the admissions officer at a state university, that's your best bet in my opinion. You'll most likely need to take the SAT Reasoning Test.</p>

<p>Thanks for the response.</p>

<p>I think I'd like to avoid going to a state university, although I am certainly open to the option.</p>

<p>I am looking at alternative liberal arts schools mostly. I have also been looking at schools that have near 100% acceptance. Here's a link: Best</a> Colleges - Education - US News and World Report</p>

<p>Does that list sound realistic? </p>

<p>So you think I would have to take the SAT's? I'd prefer not to, especially because I would have to do a lot of review(hey, I've been out of school for a long time).</p>

<p>But pretty much, I am looking for a school with a highly intellectual environment. I've got to go somewhere where I can meet people who inspire.</p>

<p>I also don't like traditional education so much. Now that I have seen these sort of alternative schools exist, I am thinking that might be the right sort of place.</p>

<p>I am not a fan of homework assignments or busy work. I am also a nonconformist and prefer a place where people are more relaxed.</p>

<p>Do you think my age would be a deterrent? I am 25 and will be almost 26 when I start and I am worried that a lot of schools might not like someone who is a little bit older. We can't be controlled and influenced too easily, and there might be a worry about the affect on younger students.</p>

<p>Yeah, you're going to find it hard finding a university with a few homework assignments and with no busy weeks. Honestly, I'm not too sure about this topic, but I know SATs are a must as they rank against other applicants. Your age shouldn't deter too many universities.</p>

<p>Of course I expect homework assignments, but according to what I've read here there are places that have more of them. Someone suggested that community colleges tend to have more busy work, and looking back at my experience at one, I would have to agree.</p>

<p>I think you should post this in the Parent Cafe. Most of us here in the Chances forum are high school kids who have no experience with your kind of situation.</p>

<p>Hi Nick... I'm kindof in the same boat as you. I'm also a veteran, 26 yeards old, never took the SAT, and have 39 completed credits at a community college. I would say, don't worry about anything. </p>

<p>Two years ago I was admitted into a high-profile university in the Philippines (Silliman University), and I paid with VA benefits. It's an English speaking country and it has the ONLY VA office outside the US. You might want to look into that.</p>

<p>There is also a non traditional, fairly cheap private college in California called University of the West. They specialize in buisness and buddhist/ religious courses.</p>

<p>Also, in the Philippines there is very little homework. Since it's a poor country, they value paper. If there is a quiz in some class, usually you write the answers on a 1/4 (or even 1/8 sheet of paper (for example). In my World literature class there, there were two small assignments the entire semester.</p>

<p>Fiona: thanks for the correction. I think that's a good idea.</p>

<p>leolibby: That is an interesting option. I honestly don't see myself going to the Philippines, but it is possible. I have spent a lot of time overseas (including right now. I'm in Germany), and I would kind of like to go back to the states.</p>

<p>So, everyone speak English at this university? How would you rate the difficulty? The people? Expensive? How is the VA clinic there? I would be curious about any additional information. Thanks a lot.</p>

<p>Have the 2 servicemembers also had their military classes evaluated for GenEd reqs? I would look at the SOC schools because they are very generous in terms of translating military experience into academic credit. Servicemembers</a> Opportunity Colleges (SOC) - Education - Military.com</p>

<p>Your best bet is to contact the schools you're interested in and talk to an admissions counselor (not the receptionist who answers the phone). They'll be able to tell you what their schools look for in older, non-traditional transfer students and what those students should do.</p>

<p>My other suggestion is to take the SATs or the ACT. Yes, I know you don't want to review and you've been out of school for a long time. But if you want to go to college, you're going to have to study. Now is a good time to start. It will also show schools that you're serious about turning your life around and should not be judged by your prior record.</p>

<p>Nick83 -</p>

<p>Chedva has some good points here. As a non-traditional student, and a veteran, you need to be speaking directly with the admissions counselors who SPECIALIZE in candidates like you, or at least someone who has EXPERIENCE with candidates like you. These local experts will be able to interpret your professional experience, and will be able to tell you what you need to do. It is entirely possible that the SAT/ACT doesn't matter, but you won't know until you ask.</p>

<p>If you want to avoid the SAT/ACT altogether, take a look at the test-optional schools at The</a> National Center for Fair & Open Testing | FairTest</p>

<p>Motherdear -</p>

<p>A million thanks for the SOC link!</p>