I will be the first in my family to apply to a university in Fall 2016.
When I apply my GPA will be around a ~3.1, but I will have all general education requirements done, and have half of prerequisites completed for my major of choice.
I will hope to get into UC Santa Cruz for physics, but I will also apply for UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara. My GPA will be a bit low so I’m not too comfortable applying many places, but I’ve been in community college on and off for six years now, and I need to make a move.
Is there any advice, or tips, or things you wish you knew when applying? Will my GPA be a huge problem?
First off, congratulations! Making the decision to move forward is easy, taking those first steps are the hardest.
I unfortunately am not familiar with the acceptance rates/qualifications for those universities or specific programs, but I think as long as you have a good application and great references (if requested) I think you should be fine. A 3.1 is a respectable GPA and shouldn’t give you any troubles. I entered a university last year at 33 years old with only my high school GPA and transcripts to speak for me. I wasn’t the best student in high school so was nervous, but I think the amount of time I had been out of school and in the “real world” coupled with my great reference letters helped seal the deal. If you do need references always be sure to cast a wide net when considering who to ask and to select folks who you think can write articulately.
Good luck and have fun!!
Thank you for the help, @30ishStudent! I appreciate it 