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

Parents Forum
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<p>Hi everyone,</p>

<p>I posted this thread in another area and got no responses, so I'm thinking some of you may have information that can help me.</p>

<p>I am new to the whole college process, so 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 just 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. I am looking for something with a strong intellectual environment, a laid back atmosphere/people, and less traditional. I've got to go somewhere where I can meet people who inspire.</p>

<p>I have also been looking at schools that have near 100% acceptance. Here's a link: Best 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>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>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>Any ideas?</p>

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<p>You're not as unusual as you think. There are many people who left school for any number of reasons and then seek to return in their later 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond! I was one of them way back in the day.</p>

<p>
[quote]
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.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Don't be concerned about this. Every returning student worries about this but the fact is returning students are far more focused than most 18-20 year olds and do VERY well. </p>

<p>You should talk with the admissions people at the schools that interest you about your particular situation and what procedures you'll need to follow. You have credits (a degree??) from a community college so you'll be a transfer student. You will not need to take the SAT.</p>

<p>As for the fact you didn't do so well at your CC, that will be a factor in the admissions decision, BUT the fact you then entered the army and have, presumably, matured and are now more focused, will also be a factor. Probably a BIG factor. </p>

<p>If I was in your position, I'd look for schools that not only have all the usual criteria potential students consider, but also schools that have a fairly sizable non-traditionally aged population. You don't want all your classmates being 18-20 years old. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

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<p>This is all "it depends on the college" so you need to check with ones to which you want to apply. With prior CC courses you will be treated as a transfer student at most colleges. Many may still require SAT or ACT in your situation, a number won't. Also, do not assume you are limited to colleges that have virtually 100% admission. Being older and having 4 years of military service can be a big plus for a number of colleges and some will admit you even if prior mediocre academic record prior to being in service. Also, don't know if you are looking at public universities in your state but many states require some or all of their public universities to give preference to veterans for admission.</p>

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<p>I'd like to thank both of you for responding.</p>

<p>My question is, do schools really value the military service? Everyone always assumes that, but is it really valued?</p>

<p>I would love for that to have some weight, but I've seen nothing so far that indicates it does.</p>

<p>What could I do to boost my chances of getting into a school?</p>

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<p>Perhaps you should ask in the Ask the Dean forum.</p>

<p>A lot of kids have trouble in college because of a lack of focus and discipline. They have a lot of newly found freedoms and dabble too much in areas that detract from their studies. Little things like showing up to class ontime or showing up at all and following the directions on the syllabus or in class.</p>

<p>And I'm sure that you have stories and experiences that can add to class instructions.</p>

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<p>
[quote]
My question is, do schools really value the military service?

[/quote]
For alot of schools - yes</p>

<p>
[quote]
Everyone always assumes that, but is it really valued?

[/quote]

Yes - many schools value military service. Alot. A whole lot.</p>

<p>Do you qualify for the new GI Bill?</p>

<p>
[quote]
What could I do to boost my chances of getting into a school?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Honestly, past performance is indicative of future success. The recent past is the most relevant. Moving forward, forget high school. At the CC - what do you mean your GPA wasn't too great? a 2.0? a 3.0? Looks like you only went for a year?
If not I suggest you go back, get your associates degree and do well in classes for two semesters.<br>
Then you will be in good shape to transfer. Prove yourself.
Good Luck!</p>

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<p>Good advice. Prove to the colleges that you'd like to transfer to that you can handle college, and prove it to yourself also.</p>

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<p>I'll check the dean forum. I haven't been there yet. Thanks for the suggestion.</p>

<p>I do qualify for the new GI Bill fortunately, but it doesn't come into effect until August 2009, so I am going to wait until then. It's not worth wasting my benefits now, even if it sets me back a year.</p>

<p>I forget what my GPA was honesty. I failed one class, and withdrew from a couple of others. I got mostly B's and C's. I need to get a hold of my transcripts. I didn't take any of the basics (math, science, foreign language). I took mostly classes I was interested in (Sociology, psychology, philosophy, english, music recording etc).</p>

<p>My problem in CC was that I was usually bored and uninspired by the students and instructors. Also, I was going through some personal stuff at the time like girl issues, family etc. I also wasn't committed. I didn't take my work seriously enough. I also didn't have any sort of plan, which I now recognize as a mistake.</p>

<p>I am still the same person, and there are always issues that manage to creep up in life, but I know this time will be different because the pressure is on, and I either have to do it, or not. But for me, the important thing is finding the right environment. I need to go to a place where there are a lot of smart, intellectual types that I can have some sort of interaction with. That is why I really have no interest in going back to a CC.</p>

<p>For me especially, I need a school that really fits me. I have the potential to do great things if I am in the right place. Yeah, everyone is responsible for themselves, and you get what you put into it, but I really need a place like this. The traditional education, like I am remembering it, is not my cup of tea.</p>

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<p>I would suggest going back to work on the basics. A lot of the other courses assume that you have the basics and it makes it harder when you don't pick something up or you can't churn out frequent papers because of deficiencies. Good math and writing skills make the college path easier.</p>

<p>There are a huge number of college course videos that you can download for free on the web and it might be fun to watch these while you are waiting for next fall. In many cases, you can learn quite a bit with course videos and a textbook without going to classes.</p>

<p>Here are a few examples:</p>

<p>Open Yale Courses: Online</a> Video Lectures and Course Materials — Open Yale Courses
Berkeley: <a href="http://webcast.berkeley.edu/courses.php%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://webcast.berkeley.edu/courses.php&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

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<p>Thanks for those examples. If you have any more links or know where I can find them, I'd appreciate it.</p>

<p>I would say I am concerned about my math skills, which were never great to begin with, and have certainly eroded since I was in high school. My science is also lacking. However, I don't expect to go in that direction, so I am not so concerned right now. </p>

<p>As far as research papers go, I am rusty, and never did that many of them anyway. I think those are something that one just has to try and muscle through and get done.</p>

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<p>I couldn't see the list of colleges you are interested in, but I wanted to bring one up: Would you consider Cleveland State in Ohio? Many of the academic programs there are very strong, and there are some great professors, people who really can inspire you. You would be accepted. Many or all of your community college courses would transfer. You have probably covered many of the general education requirements (in your community college classes), so you would be taking more interesting and more advanced courses than you did before. There are many older students. And there is top notch, absolutely outstanding, support and appreciation for vets. </p>

<p>The specific "SERV program" there is particularly for vets starting college for the first time but they are also very supportive of vets returning to college.<br>
SERV:</a> Supportive Education for the Returning Veteran - Cleveland State University</p>

<p>It will be good for you to find a school where the students have a wide range of ages and life experiences, a school that appreciates and supports vets. Good luck! I think you will do very well in college this time around.</p>

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<p>That's an excellent suggestion that I will have to take a closer look at. Thanks.</p>

<p>Do you have any experience with this school?</p>

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<p>Nick, I agree with the above posters -- your service will make you welcome at many colleges. I don't think "getting in" will be a major problem for you. (And BTW, thank you for your service, and Congrats on getting control of your life and moving ahead with things!) I do have a suggestion, based on your observation that your post-service CC grades aren't great. Treat your remaining education like it is a mission -- preparation, focus, effort, the whole nine yards. Take classes over the summer, and even between sessions if you can. Your goal is to complete your college degree ASAP. And then, you're done. Best of luck with this.</p>

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<p>"You're not as unusual as you think. There are many people who left school for any number of reasons and then seek to return in their later 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s and beyond! I was one of them way back in the day."</p>

<p>Actually, you are the norm - the median age of an undergraduate student in the U.S. is 24.5. Students going to college right out of high school are the exception, not the rule. </p>

<p>Many state universities have programs for people like you, who are the fastest growing part of the "college age" population. The bigger question is what you wish to study.</p>

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<p>Nick - what state are you from? Since the GI bill will only pay for the highest in-state tuition in your state, you need to be careful.
Ohio is very generous - I think all there state schools charge in-state tuition for OOS veterans.</p>

<p>Aug 2009 will be here before you know it - the time to start planning now. If you live near a CC consider taking a class or two this winter and/or summer. This will help you transition back into the classroom and prove yourself.</p>

<p>Do you have any specific career goals?</p>

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<p>I have no inights and nothing to add, but I fell upon this thread and found it interesting to read. And I just wanted to say what a lovely bunch of people you all are! Its just so neat seeing completely strangers helping another like that. Why I love coming to CC.</p>

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<p>mini: those numbers made me feel a lot better.</p>

<p>justamomof4: I am originally from New Jersey, but I don't want to go back there and go to school. Right now I'm living in Germany. Long story. </p>

<p>I am not sure how the GI Bill is going to work, and I don't think the VA even knows for sure. Do you have any ideas? I was assuming that I could apply to any state school and have the tuition fully covered. If I wanted to go to a private school, then I am not sure how they'll do it. </p>

<p>I don't have any specific career goals. I am one of those people that is so interested in everything, but specializes in nothing. That has been a big problem of mine because I really need a goal before I do this. That is also one of the reasons why I want to go to a liberal arts school.</p>

<p>I've thought about doing law, international relations, psychology etc. I am really not sure yet. I can get almost any degree and go to law school, so that is good. Psychology takes quite a lot of schooling, especially because you have to have a Ph.D or PsycD to really do anything.</p>

<p>I want to stay far away from anything business or finance related.</p>

<p>At this point, I just want to get a degree, but I've got to go to a place where there's the flexibility available for me to where I could make a drastic change, and not need to pick up and leave.</p>

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<p>What state is/was your home of record? New Jersey?
Have you been in Germany since your discharge? </p>

<p>The New GI Bill:</p>

<p>GI</a> Bill 2008 - Home</p>

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<p>Wow. That site is amazing. Thank you!</p>

<p>New Jersey is my home of record. Does that matter?</p>

<p>Well, I came back to Germany after my discharge. I was stationed here and I got married, so I came back. I just got out 3 months ago.</p>

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<p>According to GI</a> Bill 2008 - Home "The military home of record is not used in determining GI Bill benefits. Only the zip code of the school the veteran is attending will affect benefit amounts."</p>