Transfer with big time lapse since last attended school

Transfer Students
1

<p>I got an AA General Studies from community college in 2007. At the time I did not know what direction I wanted to go with my education, so I left school and started working. </p>

<p>Now, at age 27, I want to go back in Fall 2013 and get my teaching degree (interdisciplinary studies 4-8). I am going to apply to Texas A&M and University of Houston. If I'm turned down from A&M, I'm not sure that I'll go to UH -- I really want A&M.</p>

<p>I finished community college with a 73 hours and a 3.5 GPA. I believe A&M only takes 60 or 65 hours, so my GPA could fluctuate some.</p>

<p>My questions are:
1. How big of a disadvantage am I with admissions because of my 6 year gap in attending school? If I have no shot, I don't want to spend money applying.
2. If I am not accepted, do they provide a reason? Hopefully, if I am rejected I can attend community college and reapply.
3. I do not know my SAT score and I don't know if my community college does either, as it is not listed on my transcript. I have not taken the ACT. Is that even looked at for a transfer? I can order my scores but it could take up to two weeks to get them back and A&M deadline is March 15, so it could be close.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance and any additional tips or thoughts would be great.</p>

2

<p>On Tuesday, pick up the phone, and make an appointment with the head of transfer admissions. That person will be able to talk you through the whole process, and will be able to answer your specific questions. If your CC is in Texas, the Transfer Advisor there should be completely familiar with the process as well.</p>

<p>As for the exam scores, check the A&M website. Many places do not require them if you have completed a full AA.</p>