<p>I’m what people call a non-traditional student. The truth is, I have little idea what sorts of schools I’d qualify for. If you all can name some, given my info below, I’d really appreciate it!</p>
<ul>
<li>Graduated High school in 1998, second to last in my class.</li>
<li>ACT Composite score was 23.</li>
<li>First college course ever taken was College Algebra in 1999, passed with a “D”.</li>
<li>Enlisted in active duty military in 2000.</li>
<li>While in service, I took 9 hrs courses with 4.0 GPA.</li>
<li>Maintained a 4.0 performance in every course I’ve taken since.</li>
<li>Honorably discharged veteran as of 2007 at age 27.</li>
<li>Now serving in the AF Reserves.</li>
<li>Currently attending a mid-sized liberal arts college in TX.</li>
<li>Completed two semesters of enrollment in my school’s honors program.</li>
<li>Completed three semesters on the President’s honor roll.</li>
<li>I’ve re-taken College Algebra and replaced that “D” with an “A”.</li>
<li>I’ve now accumulated 50 credit hours with cumulative GPA of 4.0.</li>
<li>I’ve served as vice president of School’s philosophical society.</li>
<li>I’ve served as vice president of a campus political group.</li>
<li>I’ve served two semesters as Student Government Senator.</li>
<li>I serve on a university committe designed to prevent school shootings.</li>
<li>I’ll be accepting an internship position with a public policy organization in Washington D.C this fall</li>
<li>I’m now looking at transfer options…</li>
<li>and if it makes a difference, I’m a minority (hispanic)</li>
</ul>
<p>I’m confident I could get glowing letters of recommendations, and my writing samples should be well above average. I’ve decided I wish to pursue a PhD in philosophy and land a teaching position. I understand that grades are not everything, but in any humanities field, I understand they are essential to having a chance at doing what I would like to do. Of course, plans might change, but for now that’s what I’m shooting for… The school I attend now doesn’t even have a philosophy program, much less a good one…</p>
<p>But with all this, I don’t know if I would be reasonable to try to apply to even a few very competitive schools, given my complete background. Would I stand out favorably somehow? What sort of chance do I have?</p>
<p>Wow, what an improvement! I am not knowledgeable enough to give you any real advice, but congratulations, and thanks for serving in the armed forces. :)</p>
<p>Your track is familiar. You wrote that you are in Texas. If you are interested in staying around for a while longer, you may consider Trinity in San Antonio.</p>
<p>Ammoratti, I just sent you a PM. But, I do like dtex’s suggestion of Trinity. They have a great philosophy department. You might also google the website “philosophical gourmet” and look for their section on undergraduate philosophy departments.</p>
<p>I’m using the Philosophical Gourmet report as a good starting point to gauge various institutions, though if I’m going to limit myself to about 5-7 schools to which I might apply, knowing what’s reasonably within reach would be helpful. The report is helpful in this respect for graduate students, but not so much for undergrads.</p>
<p>I’ve taken a closer look at their faculty backgrounds, and indeed Trinity offers a very strong undergraduate program. Unfortunately, they offer no form of merit-based assistance, which will prove vital for my prospects of continuing school. My first impressions of need based aid is they don’t cover even half of the cost of attendance.</p>
<p>I’m also looking at Rice University in Houston as an option. I find the location and the academic atmosphere attractive, based on what alumni have told me.</p>
<p>University of Texas would be good, but I’d like to withhold on that option until I begin to look for a graduate program (due to my veteran status, the state will cover tuition costs once GI Bill has been exhausted under the Hazlewood Act).</p>
<p>The truth is, I really don’t have much of an idea of what chances you have. I just want to thank you for your service to our country and your community. :)</p>