<p>I currently attend James Madison University, and I right now I have about 60 credits. Unfortunately, due to a string of extremely difficult family problems occurring within the last year (parent's divorce, mom's severe illness and ensuing financial difficulties, moving out of the house I grew up in) my college GPA dropped drastically over the last year. Right now I only have about a 2.3 GPA. Eventually, I think I would like to transfer schools to be closer to family in Philadelphia for support. However, I realize it will be difficult given my recent academic record. I was thinking about taking a full load of coursework next semester at a community college in Philadelphia, and then applying to transfer to Temple. I heard that if I did this, I could combine my two GPAs, and therefore become a stronger applicant. If I did this, and explained in detail about the events that caused me to struggle the last year academically and the steps I have taken to deal with it, do you think I have a chance of being accepted? Prior to these events, my college grades were decent (3.0), and I had very good grades in high school (3.6), and did well on the SAT (1240). Also, and I don't know if this would have any effect, I am studying international affairs and considering staying with it or switching to international business.</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for the advice.</p>