Flunked out, redeeming myself... when to apply to state schools?

Applying to College
1

I hope this is the right subforum. I am new to this site. Hi everyone!!

I graduated high school in 2010 at the wizened age of 16. I promptly flunked out of community college after 3 semesters.

Working retail for a few years prompted me to want to further my education so that I could do something – anything – that wasn’t retail. I started back at the same community college this past fall (fall semester 2015) part-time, and received As in both my classes. This allowed my financial aid status to be reinstated, so I am in classes full-time this semester and again, receiving all As quite easily.

I have 58 grade points and 23 earned credits with a GPA of a whopping 1.658. I will have taken 50 credit hours between the beginning fall semester 2015 and the end of fall semester 2016, in which I plan to receive all As. A couple of these are re-takes of previously failed classes, but most of the classes I took previously are not offered anymore. Assuming my math is correct (iffy), I will only be able to boost my GPA to around a 2.5 with these 50 credit hours. However at this point I will have earned an AA from my community college… honestly, I don’t want to be there forever. The high school-like learning environment is so disheartening.

At what point do I apply to state schools? Specifically, I would like to get into the University of Iowa, since I have lived in Iowa City my entire life. Campus is literally 10 minutes from my house. I would save a ton of money if I were able to commute from home. However, I graduated high school with a 2.4 GPA and a 29 on the ACT. If I was not able to get in then, I am skeptical as to whether they’d let me in with a 2.4 in CC, especially after seeing how spectacularly my first few semesters went.

What should I do? Do I look at other schools with less-strict admissions requirements? I have been considering MSU Mankato as they have a good TEFL/linguistics program and are easier to get into. The only problem is that I get zero financial support from my parents… so going anywhere but Iowa effectively doubles my potential debt. I do not qualify for Pell grants somehow.

Advice would be much appreciated.

2

You need to contact the UI (student advising center), make an appointment, and ask them about how your AA will allow you to transition to U of I. The registrar will look at your record (so be sure and bring everything) and will let you know what older courses will transfer. You should do this as soon as possible so you can plan the remainder of your time at your AA.

Most universities are more forgiving of the GPA at the transfer level because it is college coursework. You could ask at your AA but they can’t speak for the university.

Good Luck!