Could being a single parent be a "hook"?

Applying to College
1

My dream school is USC. Mechanical or Aero/Astro Engineering.

I go to community college in Colorado. On its own my record isn’t that impressive. 7 withdrawals on my record (due to having a baby, being homeless, working 2 jobs). Mostly gen eds out of the way and only Calculus 1 and Chemistry for pre-reqs relevant to engineering, with Calc 2 and Physics 1 underway at the time I apply, so even with a Spring Grade Request they wouldn’t have a ton to go on demonstrating math/engineering skills.

On the plus side, GPA is 3.8, I work 4 jobs (1 in my former career as a Montessori teacher, 1 teaching Taekwon-do, and 2 on-campus in the library and tutoring); involved with Student Government, Engineering Club, campus ambassador, Outdoor Club, founded the Women in STEM club on campus, write for the newspaper, perform in theatre/dance. You name it, I’ve been involved on campus!! Unfortunately I have no time to take an engineering internship or anything that could enhance my chances in that respect. I can’t even afford to miss a day of work if I want to pay the rent and I work 6 days a week. I was hoping that my circumstances could show that I am a VERY dedicated student, even if being a single mom makes it hard to do typical college-student type things.

Would that fly at USC??

2

No, a hook is something that the university needs, such as under-represented minorities, recruited athletes, etc. Here is an old thread on what a hook would be http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/prep-school-chances/609568-what-hook.html?highlight=hook

3

Okay, it might not be a hook, but you are not at all a typical student and your background makes you interesting. Clearly you work very hard and I think you have decent chance. What you have said here about your four jobs and needing to support your child is compelling.

However, how are you going to pay out of state tuition? Plus all the associated moving expenses, and high rent in CA, etc…? There is no state school in CO that offers what you are interested in? My understanding, and I am no expert, is that any accredited engineering program is good, and that it really doesn’t matter where you get and engineering degree from as long as it is accredited.

The other issue is that you must find out if your cc credits will be accepted by USC. Many colleges are not great about accepting them, especially from an OOS com college.

4

If USC = Southern Cal then OOS tuition is irrelevant. It’s a private U. That being said it’s still $60+K/year and highly competitive to get in.

5

Won’t this student be independent for FAFSA & financial aid purposes?

6

^ Yes if they are supporting their child, but that just allows bigger loans (and potentially a Pell Grant).

7

@“Erin’s Dad” not necessarily true. I can’t speak for USC in particular, since I’m not familiar with their financial aid policies, but as an independent student, I received huge need-based grants to make grad school very affordable with limited loans and that’s even after factoring in child care costs.

OP, happy to share my experience/advice. PM me if you like.

8

I misread @intparent’s post as speaking only about FAFSA. USC meets need and uses the CSS Profile. Yes, a school that meets need may work depending on how they view the OP’s record.

9

the OP ought to look into programs for non-traditional students which offer different (often relaxed) admission criteria as well as extra academic support & counseling once a student.

10

Thanks guys. Your perspectives are really helpful. I am independent for the FAFSA and get the full Pell Grant and some loans. $5775 for the year doesn’t even cover tuition, with the Stafford loans there’s a tiny bit left over for living expenses. I’m hoping to get great scholarships…

11

Mikemac, what kind of programs are you talking about? I haven’t heard of that.

12

They may cover tuition and fees, but your costs of living, in California, with a child and care will be expensive.