Will it be possible to raise my overall GPA enough to transfer?

STLJGR · 10-06-2012, 06:31 AM

I am a 23 year old that attended college for several semesters from 2007-2010. I had some decent grades here and there but overall I was a really poor student. My combined GPA is certainly below 2.0.

In the meantime I have been in the Army. But with 1 year left in the service, I have the intention in coming back to the real world and being more productive. I would like to start taking online/satellite courses at UMUC to retake the classes I failed, and then some. However, the school I want to go to when I am a civilian again, the University of Maryland (specifically the business school), requires a 3.0 GPA to admit. I feel that even after churning out some excellent grades with UMUC, my overall GPA may still be under 3.0. Do I have any options in this situation?

eclark6 · 10-06-2012, 11:51 AM

Admissions committee's are aware that people mature as they age. Most (probably all) colleges view military experience as one of the best things that predict success in college.

You need to speak to an admissions counselor at University of Maryland, preferably in person. Many schools will make an exception to their transfer requirements if they believe you are a good candidate. They may also tell you to take some courses at another school or enroll as a non-degree student for a semester to demonstrate academic maturity.

jpk1180 · 10-06-2012, 11:51 AM

Your army experience will definitely look good on a resume and if you can get close, I would bet that you would get the benefit of the doubt because of that.

STLJGR · 10-07-2012, 03:26 PM

Thanks for the prompt replies. I will make it a priority to talk to a UMD counselor in person when I can.

redeye41 · 10-08-2012, 02:25 AM

I had a relative just about your age and in the same situation. I believe they retook a few courses that they had failed and then because of their age and experience were admitted to Syracuse as a non-traditional student. Because of this new status, they were accepted as a transfer where they probably wouldn't have been otherwise. A lot of people think of non-traditional students as just older then your regular college age student, but that's not always true, experiences in the army can help you in admissions and there are specific offices at most major colleges that serve military members or vets directly.