Hello. I have basically been made an orphan in the last 3 years of my life, so I have not been a good student. My mother passed away 3 years ago, my dad has bipolar and depression (living with him is very stressful), I have been homeless for a year, my brother passed away this year. I have spent 4 months travelling to deal with this, finding my will to live.
And I have found it. I want to study Sociology and agriculture, after I spent 4 months working at farms all around the pacific coast.
Since my brothers passing, I am working on amending a criminal justice law in the state of California. I have had to start an organization, interact with the legal system, start a petition, a blog…
Through all these personal life events I have done exceptionally poorly at school. My GPA is a 2.3. At the end of this semester, it will be a 2.6.
Dealing with death has left an impact. I could barely find the energy to attend class. My father would constantly abuse me, and living with him became a nightmare. He’s easier to deal with now, in comparison but loving with him is still stressful.
I really want to transfer to ucsb-- and get on with my life. I want to have a degree so I can make a greater difference. Social justice in law is a side passion (changing the law in cali) but Sociology is my main squeeze. I want to help create better systems of agriculture. Community centered gardens and so on. Aquaphonics, hydroponics.
Do you think that my personal story matters in the face of my horrible GPA?
First of all, I am so sorry for your losses. Condolences to you and your family, and I’m sending prayers in hopes that your life will go in a positive direction as soon as possible.
Are you currently a Community College student- if so, clarify state- or a high school student? How about budget constraints?
Also, I am a transfer student. I have passed APs in highschool. I live in Cali. I guess I’m supposed to spend another year at cc honestly, though I would really not like that because it is incredibly stressful living with my father. Doesn’t starting a campaign to change a law matter? My personal experience with Sociology and agriculture? Difficult life experiences? I need a break from tending to my dad. I want to study but life has been very hard for me thus far. Getting into a uc would change my life, as I would have a shot to study in peace.
No budget constraints. As morbid as this may sound, my brother’s life insurance has helped me financially.
Should I not bother to apply? I’ve written my personal statements, and have been told they are fantastic. However my GPA pretty much makes my chances zero doesn’t it?
I’m truly sorry for your losses, that’s more than any student should have to deal with. Your passion seemed very genuine and noble to me, and I’m sure the Santa Barbara admissions officials would think similarly. Unfortunately, I don’t know how realistic acceptance is since Santa Barbara requires a 3.0 minimum gpa for high school students, but I don’t know about transfers. There is no shame in going to community college for another year or two, and you could transfer into Santa Barbara later on after raising your gpa. If your financial situation is solid, why not rent an apartment to avoid your father? Good luck in your endeavors.
Go to community college work as hard as possible to maintain a 3.5 and then TAG to UCSB best of luck to you