Transferring with a mixed GPA (older low, recent high)

I earned a 2.49 on 31 credit hours at a university several years ago, but then I dropped out, traveled abroad and worked a bit, and now I’m back in school at a CC. So far, I’ve made a 4.0 on 37 credit hours, with another 4.0 on the way. The 2.49 that I made way back was mostly in communications courses (journalism major), while my recent GPA is composed mostly of science courses (now a STEM major). Given reasonably strong essays, what are my chances of making it into a borderline decent school like UT Austin?

I am a resident, by the way.

Talk this over with the Transfer Advisor at your CC. That person has seen folks with much messier histories than yours, and also knows the admissions patterns at your in-state publics. Ask about articulation agreements for your major. Does your CC have one with UT Austin? What would you need to do to meed the requirements of that agreement?

No agreement. UT website states that 41% of transfer applicants are admitted on an average GPA of 3.69. My current overall GPA sits at a 3.33 and will reach 3.44 after this semester.

Mentioned the fact that I’ve actually received all A+s so far at CC, but not sure if they’ll take my word for it, or even care. Also mentioned my involvement in the rather sparse research opportunities available to CC students. Recommendations are strong as well.

My question is whether all these little things will even matter, compared to my GPA. I already have admission to Texas A&M, and I don’t want to waste energy fretting about UT Austin if my chances are low to begin with.

To be honest, I don’t think this will be too bad. They’ll see your transcripts and you just need to fill in the gaps for them. Make them understand how you’ve changed.

If you prefer UT, then by all means go ahead and apply. You aren’t in a caregory that is automatically rejected. If you get in, terrific! If you are rejected, then you can decide if it is worth it to you to stay at the CC another semester or so and reapply, or simply go to A&M.

Vincent1997: How would you suggest going about that? I haven’t really changed and I don’t want to misrepresent myself in my essays. I simply found something I was interested in, which was something I did mention. Would this perceived ‘lack of change’ outweigh my stated intellectual passions?

@HStrange But isn’t finding an interest in a specific field something that changed you? It definitely changed your GPA. Furthermore, STEM is definitely more challenging than Journalism. I’d emphasize how finding a passion for your current major motivated you. Also what did you learn while being abroad?
How many years ago did you get the low GPA?

@Vincent1997 The low GPA was from about 5-6 years ago, and what I did while abroad is largely irrelevant to STEM - I tutored AP subjects and opened a F&B distribution business. In my essays, I certainly emphasized how my current interests motivate me, but I’m not certain whether that is something universities will view positively. Might I possibly receive some demerits for not outright stating that my work ethic has been completely reformed? I don’t want to disown who I was 6 years ago. The grades hurt, but I’m not really ashamed of them, and I’d hate to come off like some penitent “please give me a second chance” jackass.

@HStrange I’d argue that even though your abroad experience didn’t relate to STEM, it still shows that you’re independent and hardworking. I can’t say how admissions will decide at the end of the day, but I think you’re making the best you can out of your situation. Oh and 5-6 years ago is a very long time.