Will I ever be able to go to college again? :(

Graduate School
1

<p>I’ve mustered the courage to share my situation and ask (to determine the reality of my future):</p>

<p>I entered into community college where I dabbled a bit until I obtained my AS. I then transferred into a University where I obtained my BS in Computer Science. During all of this I had a lot of family problems and couldn’t focus well in college; truly sad and painful stories that I don’t care to much to get into at this moment. In any case, I did manage to graduate and left the University with an upper cumulative GPA of around 2.3 (sadly do to family struggles and my lack of ability to cope). </p>

<p>A few short years ago I was told that I don’t ever have a chance of returning to college for “any” further studies. I was further told that what I have achieved is all I can ever achieve in an academic setting within my lifetime. Soon thereafter I went into a deep depression. </p>

<p>Since then I have proven myself in a job setting utilizing my Computer Science degree that I am capable of so much more. Yet, I’m not sure what options I now have? </p>

<p>Post-Baccalaureate? Second Bachelor? Graduate School? Is there any chance for any of these?</p>

<p>It’s hard for me to deal with believing that the mistakes I made in the academic setting when I was younger will hang over me for the rest of my life; the fact that I can never return to college because of a low GPA. </p>

<p>I would have never gone into college at that point of my life if I knew that what I did in the academic setting then would affect me forever thereafter. I would have waited until I was completely ready to obtain a college degree so that I could have maintained a high GPA. </p>

<p>My head hangs so very low because of my GPA. I’m not proud of it at all. </p>

<p>Ideas? Suggestions? </p>

<p>Thanks,
Jason</p>

2

<p>You didn't mention what kind of graduate studies you wanted to pursue, but there's almost zero chance of that with a 2.3 GPA. You could look into enrolling into a second bachelor's program, a post-bac, or maybe just enroll in a continuing studies program with open admissions, to show that you can succeed in school.</p>

3

<p>Your GPA is low, but I wouldn't say it's impossible to obtain a higher degree. You could explain your situation in a personal statement. Maybe you coudl enroll in some courses at a local college and do well in them to show that you can still function academically....then you could make a formal application to a higher program using your most recent performance as proof of your potential. I would say, don't give up.</p>

4

<p>If you go back to school and show a marked improvement, you can explain that your previous record does not reflect your ability. Your letters of reference can help with this too. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Try taking graduate level classes as a non-matriculated student and do VERY well. Get to know the professors a little and garner yourself some recommendations. If you can, take the classes somewhere that you can go to grad school as well. Aim for an MA/MS/whatever first - it's easier to get into, and you can go for a PhD later if you desire. Also get one or two good recommendations from supervisors where you worked. In CS, work experience matters. The write a phenomenal SOP showing how you have worked hard to triumph over your situation.</p>

<p>Please don't listen to anyone who says you have "no chance." That's BS. Bad things happen, but that doesn't mean you are doomed to failure. Good luck!</p>

6

<hr>

<p>RESPONSE:</p>

<p>Thank you all for taking your time to respond ...</p>

<hr>

<p>"You didn't mention what kind of graduate studies you wanted to pursue, but there's almost zero chance of that with a 2.3 GPA. You could look into enrolling into a second bachelor's program, a post-bac, or maybe just enroll in a continuing studies program with open admissions, to show that you can succeed in school."</p>

<hr>

<p>RESPONSE:</p>

<p>This is my first attempt at determining if there is any hope for me at all before I dig deeper. Therefore, I haven't fully decided if I just want to advance my degree or to do something similar but yet a bit different: perhaps to obtain a Masters in Computer Science or a bachelors (first) in Mathematics which may lead to possibly a masters later on in Mathematics. </p>

<p>At this point I’m just trying to determine what doors may be open.</p>

<p>For a second bachelors degree, I am not sure where to start looking? Perhaps a list of universities that offer second bachelor degree programs? I haven't been able to find a list yet on the internet. </p>

<h2>When I think of "open admissions" I think of enrollment back into community college. Yet, I already obtained a AS at a Junior college. Or, is there "open admissions" at a University?</h2>

<p>"Your GPA is low, but I wouldn't say it's impossible to obtain a higher degree. You could explain your situation in a personal statement. Maybe you coudl enroll in some courses at a local college and do well in them to show that you can still function academically....then you could make a formal application to a higher program using your most recent performance as proof of your potential. I would say, don't give up."...</p>

<hr>

<p>RESPONSE:</p>

<h2>So perhaps a suggestion (for a Mathematics degree) would be to return to a local community college to retake math courses just to prove that I still have potential? </h2>

<p>"If you go back to school and show a marked improvement, you can explain that your previous record does not reflect your ability. Your letters of reference can help with this too. Good luck!"</p>

<hr>

<p>RESPONSE:</p>

<h2>That's the catch: In order to get into school I need to have a high GPA before I can show anything. It would be nice if there were a probation type admittance where I had one year to prove myself academically: If I were to do well, then they would let me stay and continue my education otherwise drop me if I did poorly within that one year. So the question is how to get back in? Or where to go to earn my way back in?</h2>

<p>"Try taking graduate level classes as a non-matriculated student and do VERY well. Get to know the professors a little and garner yourself some recommendations. If you can, take the classes somewhere that you can go to grad school as well. Aim for an MA/MS/whatever first - it's easier to get into, and you can go for a PhD later if you desire. Also get one or two good recommendations from supervisors where you worked. In CS, work experience matters. The write a phenomenal SOP showing how you have worked hard to triumph over your situation.</p>

<h2>Please don't listen to anyone who says you have "no chance." That's BS. Bad things happen, but that doesn't mean you are doomed to failure. Good luck!"</h2>

<p>RESPONSE:</p>

<h2>From my understanding, non-matriculated students are students who are not trying to obtain a degree? I will need to look more into what it is to be a non-matriculated student.</h2>

7

<p>You're right, basically - a non-matriculated student is someone taking classes who has not applied to a degree program, essentially a student-at-large. However, after taking some classes, you can then apply for degree status or apply elsewhere for a degree, and often you can transfer at least some of those classes into your degree program.</p>

<p>Most of the posters said the same thing in a different way - I suspect that what im_blue was referring to with "open admissions" was the same thing, as was bona fide with the suggestion of classes at a local college.</p>

<p>If you're not sure whether to do math or CS for your higher degree, I would guess that taking some grad level math classes would be better than CS classes, as you already have CS work experience and if you decide to go for a math degree, they will want to see math classes and may look askew at CS classes as a substitute. But I'm not a CS or math person, so on that you might want to get other advice.</p>

8

<p>The non-matriculated or post-bac route may be a good place to start. After that you can apply and, depending on the school, it may be possible to be admitted as a sort of "conditional" student. That basically means that you need to get at least a 3.0 the first semester - and then you will be a regular student. I've seen a number of people come in this way and do fine. Some were in a situation that was very similar to yours.
Hopefully your grades in Math/CS were well above the 2.3 cum - and good GRE scores would certainly help you. Work exp., as previously mentioned, is a big plus.
All of the above, coupled w/the also-recommended strong essay/statement would, off the top of my head, almost certainly get you into at least a couple of public institutions in Louisiana. None of them would burn up the U.S. News rankings, but you'd get the MS you desire, w/an option to continue on to another degree.
DO NOT give up!</p>

9

<p>In the Univ. of CA system, it is called "open campus". You can only register for courses that aren't full (so you don't take a slot from a regularly enrolled student; they have priority registration). But once you are in the class, it is exactly the same educational experience as for any other class member. If you do consistently well in several of these courses, it would be hard for anyone to argue you aren't capable...</p>

10

<p>I just want to write to offer you some hope. I had some very difficult life situations too, went to community college, started a business, and eventually transferred to Stanford to finish my undergrad. While my grades have been very good, I know how it feels for people to tell you that you have "no future". </p>

<p>It's also completely ridiculous. I know many, many people who rose from bad circumstances to amazing heights---at least three high school dropouts who are, respectively, millionaires, Hollywood screenwriters, and elite PhD students. One of them is a cousin, the other two are friends.</p>

<p>So, I would say that YOU DEFINITELY DO HAVE A FUTURE!</p>

<p>Please take the advice to enroll using open enrollment at a GOOD school. Go to the extension school of as prestigious a university as you can. Move to Boston and go to Harvard's Extension School (it's not really that expensive). Move to Philadelphia and go to Penn. Go to Duke or Columbia. Etc.</p>

<p>This will boost your self-esteem as much or more than your GPA. If you work hard, you will do well, and then you can write in someday to other people who feel that they have "no future" and tell them that it <em>is</em> possible.</p>

<p>(Btw, I also want to point out that the field you choose is also a great indicator of difficulty, in addition to the school. What kind of studies do you want to do? Math? CS? Engineering?)</p>

11

<p>im just wondering... why do you want to get a second bachelor's or master's?</p>

12

<p>JasonCA
Do you live near any University which has a "University College?" A University which also has a "University College" is kind of cool because you can design your own degree. You have to submit a portfolio with your grades and your work experience (if you have been out of University at least five years or so) and letters of reccomendation. Sometimes they let you slide w/r/t the GRE depending on the program. You could try and look into that and get a Masters in Liberal Studies with, like, an emphasis in Mathematics and something else. That is just an idea. </p>

<p>Also, I agree with LAGator in that things are not as bad as they might seem to you at all. You could totally study really hard for the GRE and get into a public University.Since you have been working in your chosen field and all, that would be a plus at a public University.</p>

13

<p>What's the problem? You have a college degree. You are performing well in your job. What is it that you think that you need? Unless you want to change professions you don't need any additional degrees. In any case the further away you get in time from college the less your gpa or where you went to school matters. All that counts is how well you are doing your job. </p>

<p>If you're interest in furthering you cs skills you can take a course here and there through a local university or from for-profit instiututions. How is a graduate degree going to make a difference in your career? Will your employer send you to school for additional job-related education?</p>

14

<p>Hey, you have a college degree.You have been out in the work force for a year or two.? So you apply where ever you want and focus your applicatiion on your work experience and your reasons for wanting to go to grad school. Your grades don't count anymore. Be positive, know what you want and GO GET IT. Absolutely agree with above poster. Any masters degree program will let you in although you pay full price. All they care about is your money at this point.</p>

15

<p>I can understand how college can mean more than just a degree to you at this point. If you want to use the degree to explore a new field, take time off from the workforce to refocus, broaden your understanding of CS, etc, why not go for it?</p>

<p>Btw, the University College thing is a good idea. It's basically the same idea as the Extension School I mentioned above, just called different things at different schools.</p>

16

<p>Kick butt (90 percentile ) on your GRE's and apply to </p>

<p><a href="http://www.usf.edu%5B/url%5D"&gt;www.usf.edu&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>

<p>I bet you will get in if you explain your situation and do excellent on your GRE's. It isn't a T-1 school, but is a major research university with 45,000 students and a med school, cancer research center and is an up and comming university. Give them a call.</p>

17

<p>I am in the same situation as you. my gpa is 2.4, very low and it took me forever to graduate. I am now strating a second bachelor's in order to have better chances with a grad school. I understand what some people said about being a non-degree seeking student, but still there are no guarantees they would take you. I preffer to apply to a Grad school with some level of dignity and still pocket a second bachelor's, which will usually take another 32 credits, depending on what you choose. In a year you can get a second bachelor's and apply for the school of your choosing. I don't want to have to write down about all the family issues I also went through during college years + 3 jobs... so, that was my decision.</p>