Community College to Selective Schools

Hello I’m concerned about the likely hood of transferring from a community college to a top school like Swarthmore, Pomona, Cornell, RISD (i know it’s relatively easy to get in) or Yale .

So I didn’t do so well in high school for a multitude of reasons, some long sad story about my senior year and homelessness, I have a 3.5 GPA and 1700 on the SAT’s. I took all honors/ AP classes but my senior year was terrible.

Long story short I took a break from school at 23 now I am working full-time as a graphic designer, maintain my own freelance business and will be entering community college in the spring. My plan is by 25 or 26 to be starting my undergrad at a 4-year university. I have done a lot within my community and have a great list of accolades. So I am not concerned about that side of things, just my academic qualifications.

Say I rock community college, get straight A’s, and take the SAT’s so I have a competitive score. Is it possible to make up for average academic performance in high school if I perform well in community college? I want to get into a great need blind-school with a good academics as well as visual and performing arts program. Ideally, a school That will cover tuition costs if I get in. I just don’t know if it is possible considering my high school transcripts. If anyone can shed light on this topic it would be much appreciated.

I think it would be good to mention I have received some prestigious awards for my work in LGBTQ equality. I volunteer my time as a professional rebranding a non-profit currently and have an extensive volunteering history for political campaigns and a local hospital. I have received an artist residency at Haystack. During high school, I was a new paper editor, secretary for a sexual awareness club, won a national poster contest.

Literally any advice or insight you have in this process would be a big help.

State of residency?

Maine for 11 years, California for 10 and NYC for 2. I currently live in NY.

I currently live in Maine**