What to do after academic dismissal?

College Search & Selection Community Colleges
1

I have been academically dismissed from the University of Maryland and am seeking any guidance and advice on what to do.

Background:
I did okay my first semester (got A’s and B’s) then got straight A’s my winter term then got all F’s my spring semester, got all straight A’s my summer semester, then again got straight F’s my next fall semester. Failing of course put me on probation then academic dismissal. Since then, I’ve started therapy and I have been diagnosed with depression. The reason I did so well my summer/winter terms is because I lived at home at the time so I have now moved back home permanently.

My inquiries:
Should I start taking classes at my local community college in Maryland this spring semester OR should I work a full-time job? The reason I am asking is because my family is moving to North Carolina by the end of the summer where I plan to enroll in community college then eventually transfer to a 4-year North Carolina institution. What do you think I should do?

Also, will I have to be accepted back into UMD in order to get into a 4-year NC institution? I noticed on the NC state website that transfer students must be in good standing with their previous institutions so I didn’t know if I have to apply to UMD, get accepted, then apply to other 4-year institutions.

Thanks!!

2

Moving at the end of summer complicates your plans.

However, it may be worth going to see the counselor at your community college. Bring a copy of your transcript. They can tell you what credits they can take in “reverse” transfer, and what classes you might need to get an AA degree (you may be able to do that all in spring and summer terms). The AA degree would be useful to show a 4 year college, since you would be in good standing with your community college and with your general ed requirements fulfilled. Many people do the community college route for the AA and then transfer to 4 year.

The challenge is moving to a different state. The credits may not be as interchangeable as staying in-state. Isn’t it also a little late for spring term? Working will also give you valuable life skills, so there are several good choices. And work on staying well.

3

I would be tempted to work until you move because it seems like you already have 3 semesters of good grades at the college level, and you will need to have some useful courses left to take when you attend the community college in NC. Once you are in good standing at the cc, then you can apply to four year schools in NC.