<p>I have a fairly complicated history, and as an older student (I'm a 29-year-old sophomore), I worry constantly about my future and wonder if all my hard work will prove to be pointless....
Let me explain:
As a child, through elementary school and middle school, I was in a program called "Gifted and Talented", which is an accelerated curriculum for children who are not challenged by the standard curriculum being taught in their grade level. I always had a lot of interest in academics. The summer before high school started, my life changed dramatically when my father, who I was exceptionally close to and who played a huge role in my schooling my whole life, passed away suddenly. Without getting into the details, the bottom line is that I was placed into foster care and became a very troubled kid, subsequently failing most of my classes as a high school freshman and spending more time suspended then in school. After an equally dismal sophomore year, I made the worst decision of my life and dropped out of high school during the 2nd week of my Junior year, after being told I would essentially be classified as a freshman again due to losing so much credit from absences. Instead, I entered the world of low-wage, dead end jobs at the age of 16, which is the age at which foster children "age out" of the system in my state. I got my first apartment at 16, and became responsible for paying adult bills and living an adult life before I even turned 17. Needless to say, school was the least of my concerns, and I ended up having my first child at age 19.
Around my 23rd birthday, I began experiencing overwhelming regret for the mess I made of my high school career, and began voraciously craving education. The first step I took was to sign up to take the GED test, which I immediately passed, earning me a general education diploma awarded with "High Honors". Despite receiving my scores and learning that I had in fact got a PERFECT score on the GED - I didn't miss a single question - and learning that a designation of "Honors" (rare) and "High Honors" (very rare) supposedly meant something, I was deeply embarrassed at having only a GED - it was a source of shame, not pride. Regardless of that feeling, I was excited at the chance of going to college - even if it was only a community college. I enrolled for one semester, taking only 9 credits, and received all A's and a B in my required prep math class. However, at this time, I was also busy planning my wedding, and amidst the wedding planning, I learned I was pregnant with my 2nd child. Disappointed in my lack of planning and feeling like college was not feasible for me anyway since, as a fulltime employee and a other, I could only attend part-time, I decided not to return for a second semester. A few years went by, and the entire time, I daydreamed of a college education constantly. Though it seemed out of reach, it was all I could think and talk about - my biggest regret. My husband finally approached me and said "Look, this has always been what you wanted. If you promise to go full-time and give it your all, we can sacrifice giving up our second income - you can quit your job, I will get a second job, and you can go to school full-time. It will be a financial struggle for at least 4 years, but it will pay off." So I applied to my local State College, taking 15 credits last Spring semester, and another 12 credits this Summer semester, which just ended. I have a 4.0 GPA (the B that I got in the prep course during that one semester I took at my old community college doesn't count toward my cumulative GPA, since it was a non-credit prep.) One of my favorite professors nominated me for consideration for acceptance into the Honors college, and I was just accepted. I have 15 credits on my schedule for the Fall semester, which begins in 2 weeks, two of which are Honors classes. My advisor and I set a goal for me to join at least one student committee this semester, and at least one club as well (I chose Philosophy Club) so I can round out my undergrad career with some extracurriculars. By this time next year, it will be time for me to take my associate in the Arts and transfer as a Junior to a University. My question is this: Do I have any hope of getting into a good university, despite having only a GED? Will a University Admissions officer see that I tried to compensate for the GED by earning a perfect GED score (with the "High Honors" distinction), earning a 4.0 throughout my state college career, being accepted to the Honors College, balancing extracurriculars, etc? Or will they simply look at the fact that I had a GED and that I will be 30 by the time I apply, and say "No way!" My husband went to University of Florida, and that is where I really want to go. Or possibly FSU. I would've loved to go to UConn, which is where most of my friends went (I went to high school in CT) but I doubt that's an option with my GED. Am I setting my goals too high by looking at good universities? It seems my safety school is Florida Atlantic University, which is considered decent and where my acceptance is virtually guaranteed, but I'm planning to major in Communications Studies with a minor in Sociology, and UF is the best place to do that. Opinions, anyone?</p>
<p>First of all, I’m so sorry you had to go through all that. The few people I know who’ve gone through the foster care system suffered incredible hardships and losses–it’s a wonder we’re not trying to solve this mess!</p>
<p>Anyway, I think that undoubtedly you can get into a good college. Few people in your situation have the strength and dedication to go back to school. Your amazing passion and community college transcript will surely get you in somewhere, don’t worry. I would also highly recommend talking to any advisers at your CC. </p>
<p>Best of luck! :)</p>
<p>You are spending way too much time focusing and agonizing over your past instead of seeing your future. What kind of example are you setting for your children?? 29 is not old. Haven’t you seen 90 year olds go back to school? If you want to go to UConn to one-up your former classmates, this is all part of your past; quit making excuses to fail. </p>
<p>Go to your local state college because it will be easier on you to be near family and get the support you need AND you will feel less guilty about not being around. I had a newborn with me at my college graduation. </p>
<p>Use your GED experience in an essay, but don’t let it be your life! After you begin the college process, no one really cares how you got there!!!</p>
<p>Go experience life by finishing your education; don’t let the past hold you back.</p>
<p>First of all, I’m only a rising senior at my high school right now, but your story is absolutely beautiful. You basically dropped out of school and started living on your own around my age right now. I don’t want to object with aunt bea, but the story you tell is a great one. Coming back to earn your GED and getting a 4.0 GPA in your state college…the determination and courage involved in that process is just unimaginable.</p>
<p>I say you have nothing to worry about. Well, that doesn’t mean to completely slack off or anything, but if you maintain your GPA, get involved in couple clubs, and write a clear, coherent essay about your life and your decision to return to education, there is nothing that’s stopping your way from receiving higher education.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you, I will be cheering you on from the state of Washington. :)</p>
<p>USC may even become an option… if they accept GEDs.</p>
<p>I really appreciate the kind words. I rarely tell my story because I don’t want to seem as though I am “feeling sorry” for my past, because I am responsible for every mistake made and ultimately I am proud of my life.
A couple of years ago, a former high school teacher asked me to come speak to some of his seniors, and I’ll tell you what I told them: no matter how corny or clich</p>
<p>@thebeatlestoday,
Thank you for your kindness. I absolutely agree that the foster system should be completely reformed. I also believe that we should be giving second chances to people who messed up when they were young. Few people really understand how badly mistakes made during your late teens and early 20’s can really exclude you from so much for the rest of your life. My ultimate goal would be to work in some capacity where I can participate in initiating a real national dialogue on these issues.</p>
<p>AuntBea,
I think you may have misunderstood me, though I do appreciate your advice. I certainly don’t make excuses to hold me back - I am currently attending my local state college and have a 4.0, which I am doing specifically because I cannot allow my children to think it is okay not to finish school. I AM setting a great example for my kids, I believe.
Also, I’m not saying 29 is too old to go to college! I think it is awesome how common it is to have older students on campus these days. What my post was about is whether or not I can set my sights on a GOOD university to transfer to, or whether admissions will see my GED and reject me. I’ve worked EXTREMELY hard to earn Honors Student designation and all I want is a chance to get into a great university, instead of having my current 4.0 discredited by the fact that I have a GED. I should’ve clarified my question: do I have any shot of getting into UF or UConn, even though I have a GED? Also, I want to go to UConn not to “one-up” my old friends or anyone, but because it is the school I grew up next to and so many of my friends and family attended UConn. I have no desire to “one-up” anyone - that thought would never even occur to me.</p>
<p>old thread, but Im back and still clinging to my 4.0 after another semester. BUMP! I’d love to hear anyone else’s advice.</p>