HotCocoa

Hi, everyone. First time poster.

I came to get some advice. I know it's NEVER too late to attend college. People can go back to get their degrees at any age.

But what I'm wondering is if it's too late for me to be a TRADITIONAL college student.

Here's my situation in a nutshell: I'm 20 years old right now, would be 21 by the time I start college again most likely. I went to UC Berkeley for about half a year back in 2010 and then withdrew. Really disliked my experience there. Ever since then, I've been working, trying to figure out if college is even right for me or not.

I decided that, if I go back to college, the main reason will be for the experience. I feel like it might be one of those things that I'll only get a short window of time to experience and if I don't, I might always regret it.

But this time, I'm pretty set on only going to a college that will give me the experience I crave, which is a small, tight-knit community of people, lots of traditions, bonding, all that stuff.

I kind of have my heart set on Sweet Briar or Hollins. From everything I've learned about them, they feel really right for me. The kind of college experience I'd like to have. I'm pretty sure I could get a great scholarship to these schools as well. I had a 3.85 UW GPA from high school, 2150 SAT, 3.8 GPA from UC Berkeley, etc.

But is it too late for me for to transfer in as a traditional student? If I end up going to one of those colleges, I'd like to be considered a freshman and go through all four years the way they were supposed to be. I never finished my freshman year at Berkeley, but now I'm worried that since I'd be 21, I'd be considered a "returning adult" or something, which isn't exactly the "college experience" I want.

What do you guys think?

HotCocoa

Anyone?

summerchica

Since you only took a half semesters worth of credits, you'd be considered a freshman, if you hadnt taken any other classes since then. so technically you would be considered a freshman credit wise. So you would be able to experience all four years of you wanted.

HotCocoa

So I'd apply as a transfer but would transfer in a freshman?

dannytanner

You would transfer in as a freshman. Your classification is based on the amount of credits you have earned while enrolled at a University or College.

As far as it being too late, no it is never too late to go back to college.

Both schools look like good programs. The first step I would take it to call both schools and talk with a transfer specialist or someone in admissions about your inquiries.

Just tell them your story and I'm sure they will be able to help.

I noticed that for Transfer admissions for Sweet Briar it requires a recommendation by your current University. Which you won't be able to get. So you may want to talk to the person about that over the phone.

They will be straight up with you and tell you if you can transferring successfully.

As far as Hollins goes it seems that the only thing that they require from your old University is a letter from your counselor on your academic standing.

Again call the school to clarify, what you need.

Don't be afraid to do it either.
Best of luck to you.