slsniff

So I am currently enrolled in a CC in Washington with...sub par academic standing. I have a 2.68 cumulative GPA and I'm in my second year of an Electrical Engineering major. Yeah. Ouch. Not a day goes by that I think that maybe I'm just not cut out to be an engineer..or for college at all. I've been working a full time job for the past two years, and I've basically been completely on my own ever since I turned 18..a year and a half ago. I'm trying to find places to transfer to, but I don't know if I will be accepted anywhere. My Linear Algebra professor suggested that I try my luck with GA Tech, Purdue, and Seattle U....But I don't come anywhere close to the minimum admission requirements for both the university and their respective engineering colleges. Here's where I've applied so far:

The Ohio State University for Spring 2012 - Accepted
Yes, I know, I was accepted, woohoo! But, I will not be attending because I can not afford it and my GPA is below the minimum GPA requirements for the college of engineering (I'd be considered under "pre-major" status, anyway).

University of Washington for Summer 2012 - still waiting
This is a complete tossup. I have no clue if I will get in. I don't have enough credits to directly enroll into the College of Engineering, so I would be considered as a "pre-engineering" major in the College of Arts and Sciences while I complete the prerequisites. My GPA is horrible in comparison to a vast majority of people all over the country doing Engineering, but I have a definite upward trend in my grades (2.35-2.88...not that it would make much of a difference..), I wrote a very well written and honest personal statement, and I will appeal if my outlook doesn't look too great. I listed Astronomy/physics major as my second major, so I will be considered for that major as well as Engineering. Even though in 2010 there was one person who was admitted into the UW College of Engineering with a 2.5-2.74, I have a feeling that I won't be as lucky...All I can do is hope.

I have no idea where else I could apply. I'd like to go somewhere with a respectable Electrical Engineering program, but I don't think universities with respectable EE programs will allow someone with a 2.68 GPA...no matter how good of a personal statement they write. I also come from a relatively low income family, and getting financial aid is...hard (some issues that my parents need to work out).

Where else could I apply/What can I do? I feel like I'm losing hope and confidence.

studybug9

Dont give up follow your heart and keep your faith, seems like you should go to Ohio.

joesilvahhh

There are other schools with good engineering programs that are perhaps less expensive and/or competitive. Western Michigan University is an example. It isn't as big as Purdue or Ohio, but they have an entire campus dedicated to their engineering program. It's less expensive than a Big 10 school and you can get in with your GPA.
If not that, I would just focus on your in-state options.

slsniff

I would love to go to Ohio, but I can't afford it, nor do I want to deal with $80,000+ in debt from student loans.

Sonybd

If you took the SATs and did well, send them. Also, don't get discouraged by simple numbers, as admissions can be very random. Apply to as many schools as you can afford to apply to, and if a school has no application fee, or a fee waiver you qualify for, apply anyway. Who cares if you get rejected right? Apply to as many as possible.

For Ohio, send in a consideration of special circumstances. Also, I don't know what your family situation is, but if there's been a lot of legal drama (maybe...?) and they haven't supported you in anyway financially for a long time, you may qualify for a dependency override. Which means only your income would qualify for FAFSA. It's very rare and difficult to get one, and up to each individual financial aid director at each school, but it might help you out a lot in your situation; research it.

Moreover, I think you should recalibrate your thinking. You need to remember a degree leads to a job, and employers see your GPA (for the most part). So if you can't pull yourself up and fix that GPA you might be on the wrong career path; As, especially in this job market, a BA with a very low GPA (and all the debt associated with it) is hardly better than no degree.