<p>I was just wondering if I could get some advice on what to do to possibly boost my chances at getting accepted to UVa (specifically the Aerospace engineering program). I have had some trouble with college, and have switched back and forth between schools. While in high school, I took all my classes at a local 2 year college for my senior year. By the time I graduated high school, I already had ~45 credits, but I did not want to keep going to a local school while all of my high school friends were going off to school. So I applied to colleges, got into a few, made my decision to go off to a decent university, and then messed it all up. My GPA when I graduated high school was just above a 4.0 (weighted), and then after going away to college, basically dropped down to almost nothing. I messed up my first semester, convinced my parents I would do better the next semester, and made the same mistakes again. So I am now back at the 2 year school I was attending while going to high school to prove to my parents I am not a worthless college failure, and will be finishing my Associates degree by the end of this semester. Once I graduate with my Associates degree, I would really love to go to UVa and study Aerospace engineering and commerce (and possibly pursue my MBA at UVa later as well).</p>
<p>So I just would love some advice from anyone credible enough to give me some.</p>
<p>Now, I will be graduating this December, but I did not apply for the spring semester (because UVa doesn't accept transfer students into engineering in the spring). So what should I do to boost my chances of being accepted?</p>
<p>When I graduate with my Associates degree, I will have around a 3.6 or 3.7 GPA from the school I am currently attending. My SAT scores were decent (if it matters), and my high school grades were ok (also, if it matters). Some extra curricular things I have been doing that I hope will enhance my application: I have been working as an assistant engineer at a metal fabrication plant (I deal with numerous engineering computer programs [such as AutoCAD, Solid Works, and a multitude of metal industry specific programs]), and I am a student pilot.</p>
<p>I am just worried all of that won't be nearly enough, especially with my terrible performance at the university I basically dropped out of.</p>
<p>And also, what should I be doing this spring to make me stand out among other transfer applicants? There is always the option of continuing to take classes even after I finish my Associates degree. I could keep flying, and potentially add extra ratings to my pilots license. I could go back to working at my current job full time. Shoot, I could even travel the world (which is something I have been thinking about doing, since I found some great organizations to help people see the world on a limited budget). I also have been dabbling in the stock market and computer programming, and have recently started developing a computer program to analyze stocks. My friend and I have talked about building a quad-rotor personal helicopter as well. </p>
<p>I just feel like I have so much potential (not to be egotistical or anything), but I feel it's hard to communicate my potential to UVa's admissions staff, especially when I have a bad academic track record as it is.</p>
<p>Do I have any chance of getting into UVa next fall?</p>
<p>What should I be doing after I get my Associates degree this December?</p>
<p>So if anyone wants to throw out some recommendations/advice, I'm all ears, as they say.</p>