<p>Is it virtually impossible to transfer to a top 50-70 national school with a weak GPA?</p>
<p>My GPA tanked earlier in college (cumulative at top 60 college was a poor 2.6 GPA, but since then, I've had 30 hours of coursework with a 4.0 GPA. Half of these courses were graduate level courses). Should I bother applying to Penn State's online campus? </p>
<p>I am looking to apply to Penn State World Campus (online) as an undergraduate transfer. I plan to apply by JUNE 1, 2009 (yes, this month). I am hoping to transfer to Penn State's World Campus to earn an online Bachelor of Arts in Letters, Arts, and Sciences with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership.</p>
<p>My info:
- 3 years full-time work experience in communications (solid reviews, annual raises)
- 5 years work experience in graphic design (solid clients, namely governments)</p>
<ul>
<li>I'm current attend a top 60 national university,...
... with a low GPA (around a sad 2.6 GPA, with well over 100 undergraduate course credits taken). There was one semester early on in my college experience where my GPA hit rock bottom (still passing grades). My GPA has risen each semester since it hit rock bottom, with the recent coursework at a 4.0 and holding. I entered the university as a freshman. I relocated, and want to both chance my majors and finish my degree in an online program (Penn State World Campus-Online).</li>
<li>I want to transfer to Penn State for the flexible online campus. It has the major and curriculum that I have been looking for. </li>
</ul>
<p>Rising GPA (4.0 in recent semesters):</p>
<ul>
<li>Since the above GPA...
I've taken 15 hours of graduate coursework in recent history: 4.0 GPA</li>
<li>Another 15 hours in recent undergraduate communications classes at local school:
4.0 GPA</li>
<li>Overall recent GPA for last 60 credits: over a 3.0 GPA
Cumulative undergraduate: around a sad 2.6 GPA (graduate coursework excluded)</li>
<li>GPA has risen significantly over the past few years. The past few semesters have been a 4.0 GPA, including graduate coursework (in psychology and communications).</li>
<li>Numerous extracurriculars early on, then focused on jobs later on.</li>
</ul>
<p>I meant to also ask what other top schools would consider the “whole person,” and not the GPA in my earlier years. I am still attending the college I began at, but have relocated and am looking for an online program to finish up in.</p>
<p>Are there any other schools that I should seriously consider? </p>
<p>Since I’ve improved my GPA in recent years, am I even slightly competitive (is there a chance I’d get in to top 70 schools)? </p>
<p>I’m also considering Empire State College (SUNY) online. They have a reputation to accept a number of transfer credits. </p>
<p>Would it hurt me to transfer from a top 60 college (currently enrolled), to a college known for its adult degree programs (Empire State, State University of New York)? </p>
<p>Is there anything that I can do to better improve my chances of admission to schools? </p>
<p>An added bonus that I see would be that my GPA might not transfer over to my (potential) new school. I want to find a major that is a good fit for me, and my current school does not offer a major that suits me (aside from its problematic location/distance from me).</p>
<p>I believe it would be 2.6 cumulative, with over 150 hours (including courses at all schools). :(</p>
<p>It’s been at a 4.0 for the past almost 2 years (each semester, not cumulative).</p>
<p>I have so many credit hours that even a 4.0 hardly budges my GPA.</p>
<p>Would I even stand a chance with that type of cumulative?
I like to think that a 4.0 for the most recent 2 years or so would help, with 15 credits of graduate work at a 4.0. Taking more classes wouldn’t budge my GPA significantly, and I’m not sure what to do.</p>
<p>I think if you make a compelling argument, anyone has a shot! One of the great things about transfers is (despite popular belief) non-traditional/non-perfect GPA students can make it into a school. You have to be able to show why you belong at that school and why you’re unique.</p>
<p>I do advise to be realistic but I think there’s no risk in trying. You are clearly improving and that is something a college should really focus on. </p>
<p>Thanks for your feedback. Aside from my rising GPA, my work experience (up and coming) is my compelling argument that shows I’m ready for a challenge. I attended a good school, and have 15 hours of graduate classes. Then again, I’m guessing most people applying to Penn State have the same-- and (much) better. I’m really in need of a solid transfer option that I know that I have a solid chance at.</p>
<p>After they see your improvement they will realize you’re Penn State material. Best of luck. (besides, there’s nothing wrong with applying and getting rejected, just go for it.)</p>
<p>Thanks for the encouraging feedback, pr and blakeben. :)</p>
<p>I was hoping that my efforts to improve my GPA, and my work experience would count for something. </p>
<p>I really would not want to apply somewhere that I’m unlikely to get into, and get rejected. I don’t want to spend on the application fees or get discouraged from it. I’m trying to figure out what realistic options that I might have right now and apply to those, so hopefully this is one of them.</p>