<p>So basically I went to a community college and pre-majored in economics. I then transferred to University of California, Santa Barbara. Biggest. Mistake. Of. My. Life. The university literally almost killed me. I did OK my first quarter, but after a while too much stuff happened and my grades declined. I couldn't withdrawal cause I relied on financial aid. I mean I was almost robbed, shot at, every day there was a new crime, I was bullied, etc. etc. My doctor told me to leave or I was going to die and I did. I got a whole ton of health problems because of going there - sleep issues (neighbors partying, roommate being loud), health issues (got pre-diabetes), etc. etc. and not because of the school work.</p>
<p>Now I am going back to community college and I want to apply to another university. I did go from a 3.60 GPA at UCSB to a 2.77 because of all the stress of the Spring quarter (not caused by academic work, but because of all the things happening). </p>
<p>When I apply to other universities, I am sure I will have to include transcripts from UCSB, right? So, should I explain to them what happened and that I have proof of it (doctor for example can back me up)?</p>
<p>What should I do?</p>
<p>I don't want to risk going back to UCSB.</p>
<p>Thanks (and if anyone needs more info please ask)</p>
<p>Yes, you will have to include your UCSB grades. To be honest I have trouble imagining SB being that dangerous. That being said, you need to let you (updated) record show how you have recovered. You may also need to say how you will not have these same problems at a new school.</p>
<p>" Yes, you will have to include your UCSB grades. To be honest I have trouble imagining SB being that dangerous. That being said, you need to let you (updated) record show how you have recovered. You may also need to say how you will not have these same problems at a new school. "</p>
<p>It’s not just dangerous, just not a school for me. And SB isn’t dangerous, but IV is. Every other day there is another UCSB emergency alert… not bad, but the shooting was the last straw. Plus I was bullied there in half a year more than my entire life.</p>
<p>Okay, how do I tell them I won’t have the same problems? Do I do that in my application? I forgot the application process. I am a good student and could easily get a dozen or so professional recommendation letters if I need to do so.</p>
For some reason, I highly doubt a doctor would say this…</p>
<p>But I don’t think that excuse will help you. If anything, it will stop you from being admitted to a lot of schools because most 4 year universities have a healthy party scene. So you can’t really say that it won’t happen again. You could talk about the stress from the shooting, but the stress from loud neighbors and a lousy roommate will probably hurt you more than help you unless you are applying to a school like Liberty or BYU.</p>
<p>Also, it’s likely too late for you to transfer most colleges. Most colleges require you to spend a minimum if 2 years on their campus and seeing that you did a year at UCSB, and a year at CC, it is too late for you to transfer to most schools at this point. I don’t know what to tell you. You may just have to deal with what you have at UCSB. You should be able to move off campus right? Find somewhere quiet. </p>
<p>’ For some reason, I highly doubt a doctor would say this… '</p>
<p>Well he didn’t literally say that but I was on my way to an early death, mainly cause of blood issues (being pre-diabetic, for example). You’d be surprised what some doctors say. He’s a cool guy though.</p>
<p>I don’t even know how I was accepted to UCSB because I do not fit many of their requirements (surfer look, very good looking, jock personality, drink every night, smoke tons of marijuana, skateboarder, dirty, etc. etc.).</p>
<p>Bullying in college? That’s crazy. Ok, can you search for a smaller 4-year college to transfer into? Maybe such a school would consider your transfer application more holistically. Three good recommendation letters would be more than enough (no overkill). Also, I would hope that a smaller college community would not have a campus culture that tolerated any bullying. As already mentioned, doing extremely well in some more community college courses would help prove you’re back on track. Good luck. </p>
<p>It sounds like you are really committed to your goals and your education despite the very tough time you obviously had at UCSB. It was not the right place for you for whatever reason but I commend you for not giving up. I advise you to get support and guidance from somebody you trust in real life, maybe a counselor at your community college? People on CC can sometimes be just a little cruel and not everyone can understand what you have been through. Or how it has effected you. Dont give up, I’m sure there is a college out there where you will be a good fit. </p>
<p>Sounds like a transfer to a large state university may not be what you need at this point.
Additionally, the ability to transfer within the UC system is limited even if your grades were stellar. A CSU might be an easier admit, but very few admit for Spring semester transfers. At either another UC or CSU you’d need to apply during the very narrow application period (Oct-Nov. for CSU and November UC’s) for Fall 2015.</p>
<p>Have you considered a smaller, private? I don’t know what your finances are, but the right private school may review your transcript holistically and be willing to take a chance on you academically. There are many schools in California that may fit the bill for an econ major, including USF, Santa Clara, Redlands, St. Mary’s, and U of the Pacific to name a few. For out of state, perhaps you should consider U of Oregon or U of Puget Sound.</p>
<p>I agree with the above poster who said, “don’t give up.”
To that I add, be sure to take care of your health – both physical and mental.</p>
<p>“Sounds like a transfer to a large state university may not be what you need at this point.
Additionally, the ability to transfer within the UC system is limited even if your grades were stellar. A CSU might be an easier admit, but very few admit for Spring semester transfers. At either another UC or CSU you’d need to apply during the very narrow application period (Oct-Nov. for CSU and November UC’s) for Fall 2015.”</p>
<p>What makes me mad is that I actually got accepted to UCLA, but as a history major. I only took one calculus class so I couldn’t get in their econ program, but I did for UCSB. I panicked and decided to go for econ/accounting at UCSB instead. Ended up being the most awful decision in my life. I decided to go for the easy money rather than what I liked.</p>
<p>If I could I’d start clean.</p>
<p>" Have you considered a smaller, private? I don’t know what your finances are, but the right private school may review your transcript holistically and be willing to take a chance on you academically. There are many schools in California that may fit the bill for an econ major, including USF, Santa Clara, Redlands, St. Mary’s, and U of the Pacific to name a few. For out of state, perhaps you should consider U of Oregon or U of Puget Sound."</p>
<p>Oregon would be awesome! So would Washington. Actually the Portland/Seattle area are the places I would like to move to the most. Do private colleges accept transfers for the spring? I guess I can be patient and wait for Fall if I have to do so.</p>