How do I explain my poor academic performance during some of my past semesters to people on a college admissions committee?

Applying to College
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Budget first and foremost. You can meet your goals even in a red state.

course transferability

Yeah, those things are important, and I keep them in mind when planning my academic future

Anyway, is higher-education for learning, or for credentials and career preparation?

I’d say it’s both, and to me, the former is just as important, if not more important, than the latter. I’d want to go to college even if if provided no economic benefit. I want to learn and critically think about the world and its beauty.

In my state, people in power are influencing higher-education so it’s more in line with their own worldview, a worldview I find ethically problematic and empirically false. I don’t want my education to be influenced by any of that.

There’s also the whole thing about them trying to remove trans/GNC people from public life and seal people’s subjectivities and kinship back under the tomb of God-given, static “sex” and “nature.” No thanks. I don’t worship the shrines of sex and nature

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Maybe. I could try to rely on my family (particularly my grandmother) to pay for college if there are no other options. There’s enough money, and I’ve been told pay for college, although the details were sparse. I don’t want to be dependent on them though, or anyone else.

I wonder if I could move to another state and finish my degree at a community college there are transfer to a 4-year college in that state and access a transfer agreement there and/or in-state tuition.

Or, maybe I could legally guarantee my independence and get financial assistance from my family.

I’ll figure it out

If necessary, how do I explain my circumstances to colleges?

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I believe Utah is the only state that allows you to claim residency for instate tuition if education is the only reason you move there.

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I don’t want to move just for education

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I understand what your long term goal is, but that’s not relevant in the context of tuition residency. If you (or your parents) have not been living in a state, working and paying taxes for at least a year - if the only thing you have done since moving to a state is attend school, that is considered only moving for education, at least as far as instate tuition residency rules are concerned.

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I can move with my sister and and work some part time job (perhaps while finishing me degree) for a year. I’ll try to do what I want to do. I don’t care how many years it takes

That, or I could work some financial arrangement out with my family

I’ll figure it out

Again, if necessary, how do I explain my situation to a college?

27

Don’t know your major but there’s likely 100+ and likely a lot more. Don’t conflate what a magazine says - with good.

Think about that - you want someone to take care of you financially and yet live alone. You’ve heard the saying beggars can’t be choosers?

Most, if not all, will have academic clubs. As for internships, no matter where you go - you will be the one finding them, generating them. Sure, a school may have listings and a professor may have a contact but in general, kids find internships and jobs on their own. It’s up to you to hustle - and a lot of it is luck - example, right now the market isn’t strong and you mentioned humanities - it doesn’t always tie to a major an employer is seeking.

I’m sorry you dislike what is happening to education in your state. And I’m sorry you don’t like laws.

But in the end, you need to afford college. Going to another state and going to school will not get you residency.

Going to another state, working for a year, having a driver’s license, registering your car and demonstrating that you did all this, not your parents - may get you residency. But you are seeking low cost or financial assistance.

You have a lot of desires - but you also have to face what the real world provides. I have no doubt, even in a red state, you can still get a degree in the humanities major you desire.

Good luck.

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This is a personal decision, but I would think it probably would go under the “additional information” section. You would need to be succinct (there’s a word limit), focus on the main issues limiting your educational outcomes in the past and how you have overcome them to the point of your latest achievements (it should read more as an explanation than an excuse, if that makes sense.)

I’d suggest you google the residency requirements in whatever state you are intending to move to. Part time work will likely not be enough. Here is an example of California’s requirements (AI summary, full background here Residency requirements | Understanding residency for purposes of UC tuition )

To qualify for in-state tuition at California public colleges and universities, you must establish and maintain permanent California residency for at least one year (366 days) prior to the residence determination date of the term you are applying for.The core requirements include:Physical Presence: You must be physically present in California for more than one year before the start of the term. Time spent in California solely for educational purposes does not count towards this requirement.Intent to Remain: You must establish permanent ties to the state and cut residential ties with your former state. This is typically proven by obtaining a California Driver’s License, registering to vote, opening local bank accounts, and filing state income taxes.Financial Independence: If you are under 24 years of age, you must prove you are completely financially independent from your parents, unless your parents are already legal California residents. This means your parents cannot claim you as a dependent on their federal or state tax returns, and you must prove you can support yourself through your own income or loans.

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Don’t know your major but there’s likely 100+ and likely a lot more. Don’t conflate what a magazine says - with good.

Ok? Why did you bring up magazines? I never mentioned magazines.

Think about that - you want someone to take care of you financially and yet live alone. You’ve heard the saying beggars can’t be choosers?

I want a formal education after that was more or less taken from me for years and a comfortable place to luce. I think everyone should be able to access a formal education and comfortable housing. I think a lot of people recognize taht to some extent, and have for many years. Publicly funded education has existed for decades.

I feel like you’re framing that as entitlement and patronizing me. What is your problem?

I’m sorry you dislike what is happening to education in your state. And I’m sorry you don’t like laws.

But in the end, you need to afford college. Going to another state and going to school will not get you residency.

Going to another state, working for a year, having a driver’s license, registering your car and demonstrating that you did all this, not your parents - may get you residency. But you are seeking low cost or financial assistance.

You have a lot of desires - but you also have to face what the real world provides. I have no doubt, even in a red state, you can still get a degree in the humanities major you desire.

I don’t want a humanities major

Anyway, I can establish residency and I’ll find a way to pay for college.

I’m concerned about being governed by people who openly want to harm people like me. It seems a bit… minimizing to frame that as disliking “laws."

I’m not going to engage in this further

Just because I’m young, queer, and an undergraduate student doesn’t mean I don’t deserve dignity.

I have a hard time understanding some people’s lack of empathy

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Ok, thank you!

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Usually kids see a rank so when you say a college with a good program for my desired major, I assume whether on line or print, you found a rank. If you didn’t, I apologize - but let’s say you were interested in English or art history, etc - there will be loads of good schools.

I understand what you want - and many states provide that btw for their residents - often tuition free if you are low income. The thing is - I don’t know your state but let’s say it’s Georgia(just as an example). Georgia has taxpayers and they support its citizens. But New York or Vermont or Colorado - their tax payers support their citizens, not other states so the Georgia kid is not going to get assistance beyond normal merit aid.

So I’m sorry you’re in this position but other state tax payers are not going to take on the burden of supporting you to that level. And you still can get a great education within your state. In the end, you don’t get to drive a BMW if you can only afford a Ford, etc.

I’m not patronizing you. But this is how you positioned it because you can get a great education, yes, even in red states. You asked for help - so why are you criticizing me. I’m trying to help you but give you a dose of reality.

You cannot necessarily establish residency. You have to move somewhere but also support yourself. Can you support yourself or would you be helped? That is the question. You’d need an apartment, utility bills, driver’s license. You’d need someone to co sign your lease, etc.

Now, you can work at a Starbucks or Target and they will get you a degree for free - but it is on line and doesn’t sound like you want that.

I am not minimizing your plight but you also need to be aware of the challenges you face and what you are seeking/wanting is unlikely to be a reality.

That’s all I’m telling you. That’s not patronizing. That’s real world.

Good luck.

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What is the major you’re considering? I believe that there are several non-selective colleges that offer in state tuition to non resident students.

Looked it up. All are in red states except for Cal State Fresno.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/slideshows/colleges-with-affordable-out-of-state-tuition?slide=22

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Here’s another question: If someone does poorly in X, is there any reason whatsoever that would make that failure understandable and make them deserving of support? Or does everyone who does poorly deserve to fail and deserve everything that comes with it? Do only the powerful and successful deserve success,

Is the latter how some faculty at colleges think…?

If that’s how one thinks, don’t expect others to keep supporting that state of affairs

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It’s a STEM major

I’d rather not give too many personal details in a very public forum

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In the end, you are your record. It wouldn’t be fair to those with higher or consistent grades otherwise.

However many schools have holistic admissions. And that’s why one poster noted to mention past unfortunate circumstances in an additional info section. No one can tell you whether or not the school will consider it.

Your goal is to apply to schools that can make your budget, first and foremost. You need to ensure one is a definite in and definitely affordable because you can only attend one. After that take your shots but it makes no sense to apply to one you know up front you can’t afford.

If you name your state, perhaps we can help. For example, Wyoming and the Dakotas are red states. But they are in WUE and their residents get discounted tuition at California, Colorado and Oregon schools. Might you be in a state that is a part of a consortium ?

Help us help you but #1 will be affordability. Most schools will go by an academic record but might someone look deeper, sure. But who, not sure anyone can tell you.

But given you’ll have your AA - something has to be positive.

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I don’t feel that posting a major would out you. Unless it’s very unique, and even then, I still don’t think it would.

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And some STEM majors are not offered at all colleges - engineering as one and certain earth science fields as another. Do not all recommendations will fit.

That and a formal budget, if possible, would be needed. OP mentioned grandma - you’ll likely need her out of state. What can she afford and more importantly, what is she willing to pay ?

You mentioned not needing private but you might find privates less expensive than OOS publics.

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Maybe, maybe not.

I’d rather not be too personal online. There’s faculty at my college who I know and who can help me figure out the specifics of transferring and faculty at other colleges who may be able to help me out. Also, I trust myself to be able to create specific, actionable plans on my own.

I don’t need or particularly want guidance from online strangers. That’s not to speak ill of anyone specifically, it’s just acknowledging the limits of the medium. I don’t really know people here, and they don’t know me. There’s a lack of information that creates a barrier for creating trustworthy, actionable plans

I just wanted to see how people expect and reccomend personal narratives to be framed in this kind of bureaucratic context

I think I’ve gained some valuable insights so far, albeit limited ones and in an at times frustrating manner

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I think at most schools, they won’t be seen - most, especially, better cost, will be stat based.

The issue at those that will read your narrative, is how do you present it in a way that doesn’t provide risk to them. They can show empathy as they read it but that doesn’t mean they want someone who knowingly might require more resources on their campus, especially as resources are strained.

The other thing is - what would change about your grades from your AA to the next level - if you’re saying your AA grades aren’t strong enough and I don’t know that to be the case.

Many schools will flat out tell you what you need - so there will be plenty like this and hopefully you fit into one and then you have no worry from an admit POV.

This is SUNY Albany

Admission Criteria

2.5 GPA for most programs, except:

  • Accounting: 3.0 GPA

  • Adolescent Education: 3.0 GPA

  • Business Administration: 3.0 GPA

  • Childhood and Special Education: 3.0 GPA

  • Digital Forensics: 3.0 GPA

  • Early Childhood / Childhood Education: 3.0 GPA

  • Financial Market Regulation: 3.2 GPA

  • Human Development: 3.0 GPA

  • Social Welfare: 3.0 GPA

U Minnesota says this which may be more helpful to you - but then also has GPA requirements depending on the school.

Transfer Admission Requirements

University of Minnesota transfer admission criteria

Applicants may be admitted if they meet the entrance requirements of the college or program to which they have applied, and of the major they wish to enter.

Transfer applicants are considered for admission based on an individual review of their applications by the college to which they are applying. In general, transfer applicants must have completed (or be completing) at least 26 semester credits at the time of application. It is rare for students enrolled in their first term of college to be admitted for the spring semester.

Individual colleges and programs review each application using the academic and context review factors listed below, in addition to the program-specific criteria described in the next section. These criteria include the specific prerequisite course and credit requirements for the individual college or program.

Transfer Holistic Review

Academic Factors

Because the greatest predictor of college success is preparation, the strongest consideration in the decision is given to a student’s academic record. Our promise to you is that we will look at the overall trend of your academic performance—not just a single semester—to understand your preparation. The following academic factors are considered:

  • Grade point average - cumulative, and in specific courses related to the student’s intended major.

  • An especially challenging pattern of coursework, especially in courses related to the student’s intended major.

For transfer applicants with fewer than 26 transferable college credits complete, the following factors are also reviewed:

  • Successful completion of the high school course requirements (see below).

  • High school rank percentile (students from non-ranking schools and those with GED or other high school equivalency are given full consideration).

  • ACT or SAT scores (ACT/SAT scores are not required through 2027. Learn more about ACT/SAT scores for transfer admission).

  • Rigor of the high school curriculum.

Context Factors

Individual circumstances are also considered as part of the overall assessment of each application. Enrolling a diverse student body—with students bringing differing experiences, talents, and perspectives to their scholarly community—is essential to achieving the learning and development outcomes of a University of Minnesota education.

Our holistic review takes into consideration the individual circumstances that make each individual student unique. While we do not consider an applicant’s race, ethnicity, gender, or other identity as prohibited by law, we consider the following context factors in our decision review:

  • Evidence of exceptional achievement, aptitude, or personal accomplishment not reflected in the academic record

  • Participation in extracurricular activities related to your intended major

  • Strong commitment to community service, leadership, and educational involvement

  • Evidence of having overcome social, economic, or physical barriers to educational achievement

  • First-generation college student

  • Significant responsibility in a family, community, job, or activity

  • Contribution to the broad diversity of the student body

  • Personal or extenuating circumstances

  • Military service

  • Information received in open-ended questions

For the College of Science and Engineering, here is the GPA distribution:

Transfer Student Profile

Fall 2025 Average Transfer GPA: 3.58
Transfer GPA range distribution:

4.0 - 3.5 64%
3.49 - 3.0 28%
2.99 - 2.5 7%
Below 2.5 1%

So find a school that is a) assuredly affordable and b) has a minimum required GPA below yours.

That’s the safest thing - but you might find a few like UMN that look holistically. Your privates are more likely to and beyond the top tier, are also likely to throw more money your way because it’s a supply and demand thing - and right now, there is not enough supply for them to meet their demand. So they’d rather have you at a big discount, than have no one.

Good luck.

As for your frustration, I’m sorry - but you asked a question and people are trying to help you. You should show appreciation to those willing to go to bat to provide you guidance rather thumb your nose. Honestly, after reading your most recent post, I’m unsure why you even posted.

But I wish you luck and hope you find what you are looking for.

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I’m aware that it’s important to have near-guaranteed options, and I have one and believe I can create more

My question was how do I frame a personal narrative to a college admissions committee.

I’d like to try to find a way to get into a college that I find desirable. Getting into some of the colleges may be unlikely. I know that. I can look at the stats myself. I still want to try. I always try.

My personal narrative is one of the variables I can control without political power, and I want to get it right