Am I worthy?

Chance Me / Match Me
1

I applied in November 2016 for transfer to Cal Poly Pomona (Business Administration - Technology and Operations Management) and to Cal State Fullerton (Business Administration - Information Systems) for Fall 2017. As of today, neither school has made a decision yet, though CSUF has asked for and received all my transcripts. CPP is at “ready for decision” and CSUF is a “waiting for spring grades.”

I find my self sitting here a little depressed and wondering, am I just kidding myself? Are my grades not good enough? Am I too old? Did my previous failures at three Cal State Universities ruin my chances? Can the university admissions council look past the mistakes of young academic? Even if I do get accepted, what’s the ROI for a 4-year degree at my age?

So really, what are my chances at getting into to either CSU?

Okay, let’s back up a bit… er, okay more that a bit.

I graduated from high school 35 years ago, at the age of 16. I wasn’t doing so well my freshman and sophomore years. I was smart, but had some personal problems that affected my academic life. With the help from my high school counselor and my older brother, I took on extra courses at high school as well as attending the local community college concurrently, using those courses for high school credit. I earned enough grade points and graduated my junior year in high school.

In doing so, I was accepted to my first CSU to their Electrical Engineering program. It took only two quarters for me to fail out of college. I has just turned 17.

Two years later, I was accepted to another CSU to their Computer Science/Mathematics program. I lasted over a year before life got in the way. I was earning $$$ as a programmer, lived with my first girlfriend, then helped my father start up his business in another town, thus ending my college career again.

Another two years later, I felt the calling to finish what I started in college. I was accepted to a third CSU to their Computer Science major. However, during the first quarter, my financial aid was rescinded due to my father claiming me as a dependent. I couldn’t pay for school and was released.

For the next 10 years, I worked my way into the corporate world starting off as a data entry clerk and administrative assistant for a Big 4 accounting firm and a Big 10 consulting firm. I tried to fit some community college classes into my schedule, but always found myself committed to work and withdrew from classes mostly. Over the course of another 10 years, I moved up to programmer, database administrator, and senior business analyst. These were respectable positions, however managing an IT department was in my sight. Consequently, a great barrier existed between me and my dream position. I simply did not have a 4-year degree. I was passed over for management numerous times, watching my peers and even subordinates get promoted above me. It is a pride-swallowing experience that chewed away at my inner being.

A fortunate thing happened to me about 3 years ago that changed my life. As grim as it may sound, I had a surgery that left me temporarily disabled, not allowing me to fulfill my job responsibilities. I inevitably resigned. After doing so, I immediately decided to attend Fullerton Community College, enrolling only in their online classes due to my disability. Keeping up with it, I earned my AA degree in Business Administration last summer, using transfer credits from numerous colleges as well. I felt like I found a lost love. Not only did I complete an AA degree, I actually enjoyed it thoroughly. Though my grades from about 30 transfer credits were not so great, the 40 credits I completed at FCC were at a 4.0, putting me on the Dean’s List for the first time, as well as being accepted to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Since my confidence seemed to be regaining, I thought I’d give it a final shot by applying to another university again to possibly complete my bachelor’s degree, hence to CPP and CSUF, at the ripe old age of 50 =)

So, finally the question again… what are my chances at getting accepted CPP or CSUF? Here are my stats:

1981-83: High School: attended concurrently with community college
1982-83: First Community College: 13 credits - 2.3 GPA (10 credits transfer at 3.0 GPA)
1983-84: First CSU: 17 qtr credits - 0.8 GPA (6 credits transfer at 3.0 GPA)
1985-86: Second CSU: 26 credits - 1.4 GPA (13 credits transfer at 2.7 GPA)
1988: Third CSU: 0 credits (released from school before finals)
1990-91: Second Community College: 9 credits transfer at 2.9 GPA)
2015-17: Fullerton Community College: 40 credits transfer at 4.0 GPA)

My major changed from computer science to business administration at FCC. By using my transfer credits, I have already received my AA in Business Administration, with 1 class left for a 2nd AA in Economics, and 1 class left for a 3rd AA in Independent Studies - Science/Mathematics. This also completes an ADT in Business Administration for both CPP and CSUF.

When I applied in November 2016, I had completed only 2 of the Golden Four, both with a “B”. My major GPA was 4.0. Since then, I have completed a 3rd Golden Four with an “A” and am currently enrolled in my last Golden Four. I won’t complete my ADT until the end of summer.

So, there it is. What do you think? I can surely use some feedback (good, bad, anything) as this is quite a conundrum for me. I have read many articles on the value of a 4-year degree at my age. With my temporary disability nearly healed, I believe I’d be ready for attending a university, though online has worked for me pretty well. I’ve even considered the BABA (online degree) from CSUF and possibly applying to CSU East Bay (excellent online degrees) and even Penn State (online).

Screwing up when I was young and not finishing college has haunted me for over 30 years. I suppose if this is my mid-life crisis… it could be worse, though I’m pretty sure I’m passed the mid-point =)

Thanks everybody, and good luck to you all in your academic life and your future endeavors!

2

you are never too old… if this admission cycle doesn’t pan out, stick with it - perhaps look at Humboldt which is still open to transfer applicants.
Good luck.

3

When my daughter (at 19) was taking summer evening classes at SDSU in engineering, I was her driver because she did not want to deal with parking.

She mentioned that she was surprised at how much older and "gray"er her classmates were. She was in the minority.

When the professor polled the class about their reasons for taking the class, most of them stated that they were there to get their first degree in engineering.

I think the CSU’s are very good about admitting “seasoned” students. They add a nice “human” experience for the younger students.

I see a good future for you; you only need two more years. Good luck!

4

@NCalRent Thank you for the support and the advice. I have a renewed outlook towards obtaining my degree. I’ll definitely take a look at Humboldt State. It seems a few CSU’s that also offer Online Bachelor’s Degrees have a rolling application deadline. I’m not sure I want to move to a new location, but I think keeping my enrollment focused on a CSU will keep the costs of education down, considering my age and the Return-On-Investment.

5

@“aunt bea” Thank for the very positive re-enforcement =) At Fullerton College, I am the old guy it seems in every class, even older than many professors. It becomes interesting when we’re put into groups for projects. The younger students have always been very accepting and supportive. It’s good to know that I will also be among those from my generation in the CSU’s as well, though many may be working on their master’s or doctorate. I like how you referenced the “human” experience as I believe that is what helped drive me to even want to attempt to complete my bachelor’s degree. It is that maturity that has possibly helped me understand and appreciate the courses that I failed in my earlier academic life. It’s kinda funny how that works out… the classes I dreaded in my younger years are the ones that I excelled in and enjoyed the most in my later years.

6

UPDATE Still waiting for a decision from both Cal Poly, Pomona and Cal State Fullerton. I ran a degree audit from CSUF and they only have 1 of my 5 transcripts input (Fullerton College). With my Cumulative GPA of 3.0 (95 units attempted), I understand that only 70 units can transfer. When I tallied that (using IGETC req’d units and Bus Admin major req’d units), I compute a 3.7 GPA for 70 transferable units. If I ace my current Golden Four course in progress, my transferable units GPA will be 3.8. Is this possibly the reason why I’m still considered (or a least haven’t received a denial)? This waiting is putting me in the grave faster than marriage… hahaha JK, I love being married O:-)

7

Spoke too soon. Looks like CSUF just updated the Degree Audit. They input the 9 units from my 2nd community college transcript from 27 years ago, which had two A’s and a C in Calculus 2, giving me so far 48 transferred units at 3.8 GPA. Possibly a good sign? [-O<

8

Hey man! First off, I’d like to commend you to strive for excellence and come back to school. To others it may not seem as something important, but I personally greatly respect what you are doing! Also, you are never too old for an education. Mentality like that will stop you from achieving what you deserve! Keep up the great work!

9

Thanks @ChoChoBear for the kind words and enthusiasm. I’m just embarrassed a bit about how nervous I am about re-entering college just about as much as I was explaining my previous college failures during job interviews over the decades.

10

UPDATE Cal Poly, Pomona just waitlisted me. I accepted for Fall 2017. They stated if there’s still room for students by the end of May that my application will be reconsidered in June. It was a longshot. I have nothing but time left to wait. I know I was given plenty of chances to get it right in college. Also, CPP didn’t ask for any transcripts, so I figured earlier they were not that interested. I didn’t realize they just rely on self-entered information first before requesting transcripts. Perhaps I filled out my application incorrectly and, like a good student, should have gotten advice from the transfer center to help me fill it out correctly. Perhaps I put in too much of the old info that they didn’t care about so much. Like I stated, my transfer GPA is 3.8 compared to my overall GPA of 3.0. Oh well, let’s see if Cal State Fullerton is willing to take a final chance on me. They are my first choice anyways =)

11

UPDATE CSUF updated the TDA (Titan Degree Audit) with my transcripts from my 2nd CSU from over 30 years ago. It’s good to know they’re still considering me (I’m assuming). I’m LOL right now because many old computer science courses (COBOL, ASSEMBLY LANGUAGE, PASCAL, and FORTRAN 77) didn’t match up with anything at CSUF. I feel bad for the person trying to match my old stuff to their current curriculum. They must have looked at my mess of transcripts and said, “we’ll save him for last”!!! hahaha

12

Got accepted today to CSUF into Pre-Business. Checked the portal at 6:00pm and no change. Checked again at 10:00pm and it stated I was accepted into the university. I’m speechless at this moment…

13

Congratulations! This is really great. I believe that you will finish your degree this time. NEVER GIVE UP!

14

Hey, this is fantastic! I’m sooo happy for you! I started reading at the top and was really hoping there was an update at the bottom saying you were admitted, so I got my wish, too. :slight_smile:

I find your story and your perseverance inspiring. You deserve this. Congrats!

15

Thank you both, @DadTwoGirls @1Dreamer , this has been one insanely long road that has haunted me for 35 years. I am so thankful for the opportunity again and this time… I’m gonna finish it hard and strong!

16

A great story with a great ending. The only better outcome would be if you changed your nic :wink: Congratulations and – go out there and be a superstar at Fullerton!

17

“The only better outcome would be if you changed your nic”

I was thinking the same thing. OP is going to need to switch to “NotTooOld4College”.

18

I’m 52 and after 20 years I stepped back in to taking college courses this spring. I took some community college night classes in the 80s and 90s while working and tallied up about 40 units. I decided last Christmas it might be interesting to take a class online and I put down my Xbox controller for a bit. I always enjoyed school and learning and I thought it might be a good example to set for my 15-year-old son. I work full-time, own some businesses, and make a lot of money. The rest of my siblings, their spouses, my wife, my mom, and my daughter are all college graduates. I am definitely the outlier in my family.

Anyway, I checked with my local community college District and there were a number of online courses offerings and the selection was very robust with transferable classes. So I signed up for three classes, including one lab that I had to attend in person. After getting started I really enjoyed the classes and the material was interesting. I have less time for computer gaming or watching Netflix, but I still coach soccer and do all the other extracurricular things I’ve been handling as a grown-up husband and parent. And of course I work a lot of hours. I ended up signing up for a fourth eight week online class in history midway through the spring. I’ve now finished all the courses from my first semester with all A’s and it was really interesting. I’m signed up for a couple more courses this summer and then more in the fall. These are all online community college offerings, except a business calculus class I will have to take in person. My plan is to get an AA for transfer and then transfer next fall a CSU online business degree program. There’s a new offering at San Diego State that looks like a good fit.

Also, just a note on online courses. I find them very engaging. From speaking with the instructors, the performance of the students is very similar whether in class or online. Organized and engaged students do well and those that procrastinate or are disorganized do not do well - either in a virtual classroom or an actual classroom. I could not take these courses unless it was online. I simply can’t break out the time to drive to a class at a college while maintaining all the real life responsibilities I have. The technology allows the material to be presented in a challenging manner and I think I get a lot more from being able to take classes on my own schedule than I ever would in a classroom. Whatever I might give up by not being in the classroom with other students I gain by having the ability to take a test or write an essay at 5:00 in the morning or 10:00 at night.

19

Hahaha thanks @katliamom and @DadTwoGirls I might just do that! I like the NotTooOld4College. I was also thinking TooOld4CollegeNoMore or TooOld4College…NOT (sticking a little Wayne’s World in there dates me accordingly).

Thanks again for the kind regards :slight_smile:

20

Wow, @kcotulla You have an inspiring story yourself with so many facets similar to my own (some college in the 80s and 90s, putting down the Xbox controller hahaha, and returning to college via Online courses and enjoying it). But it sounds like you’ve been extremely successful in life (career, finances, family, children) and retuning to college at this age is for you and for your own personal satisfaction, though you never know where you can take your degree. That is awesome! I totally agree with you regarding the online technology allowing you the opportunity. My online courses were accounting and business courses that also required group interaction… all completely online. Interesting how that worked out. When it came time to appear in person for the finals, I found the physical interaction elating. I realized I was still missing out on the human factor. My speech class that I’m taking right now is all in person and it has been a joy. I also looked at SDSU for their new online degree. It was a consideration if I didn’t get accepted to CSUF or CPP.

Thanks again for the kind words and sharing your story. Best of luck to you in your academic pursuit!