Hi,
I would like to go back to school to complete my bachelors and am seeking advice on potential institutions that will be a good fit.
I have been out of school now for three years. I initially attend a large state school that I never really did well there for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, the poor fit of the school to my goals and my inability to deal with my hatred of the place as I was starting what would be a deep downward spiral of depression that took 2 more years cease. Long story short, my time there did not end well, my GPA was shot and (1.9-2.0), and my taste for the college experience diminished.
However of an obstacle that disappointment may have been, I still have this all consuming desire to have a college experience that is the equivalent to marine corps training for the mind.
Inasmuch, I have done a little research and am asking you, what is it that I would need to do to out shine my poor past experience so that I could have a chance at the likes of The Seven(now 5) Sisters, Swarthmore, Harverford, Brandeis and Reed? These are just programs that stick out for me right now. They’re small, have a rigorous curriculum and near/in major cities. I am definitely open to any suggestions as I not very aware of the reality of my situation and really just want to know how high can I reach?
Thanks
How strong was your HS record?
Have you taken any classes during the 3-year break that would demonstrate change?
Hi,
My hs record was acceptable. I graduated in the top 10% with a solid UW3.0/ W4.5. I took all honors and AP courses. I only took 5 AP exams and ranged 3-5 on them. I had 5 leadership positions, and co-founded 1 club. 2 Varsity Letters, something like 1500 hours of cs. I had avid involvement in my church and community. Tutored underprivliged teens, of which 3 were the state 4A basketball champions. And had National Merit Recognition. I sadly could be leaving things out that I would have to go back and look up to remember.
However I have not taken any courses since leaving college. I am just now starting the process of inquiry, and wanted to see what my possibilities are and what steps I could take to open the most doors.
It will be difficult (impossible?) to transfer into a highly elite college like a 7-sisters with a 1.9 transfer GPA. And your hs record is good, but not an auto-admit set of stats, either. That’s just how it goes at the elites.
On the other hand, if you were to return to the first college and rehabilitate your GPA, or spend a year at community college doing the same, paired with an amazing essay, then a transfer to a highly selective college, possibly even a 7-sisters is possible.
So, if it were me, the first step I’d take would be to get a year of solid grades under my belt - aiming for a 4.0 to show both an overall ability to excel and to create that clean break from the prior performance. In other words, I would want the Adcoms to see the 1.9 and think “that was then” … then look at the three year break followed by a year’s worth of a 4.0 and have them think “this is now.” They will admit the “now” student – but you have to go out there and make it happen.
Can you go back to your first college? Many colleges do allow students to come back after a break. You could take a year there and then transfer. Otherwise, I’d look into community college followed by transfer.
Hello Saffronia. Are you a female undergrad? If so, Hollins takes huge steps to accommodate their “Horizon” students, (we non-traditionals.) They are a small private institution in Roanoke Va. It’s certainly not where I would want to settle down, but I stayed despite not being crazy about the place because they have a number of ridiculously good professors. I’d be happy to share my experience with you if you are interested. They are a small school, 7-800 undergrads, with a tiny co-ed grad program. They have a good amount of funding, and were in the top 10 or 20, (I don’t recall,) in Kaplan Newsweek for creative writing. Great profs there, made me think, even when not in agreement politically, I still had to value the insight. One of the best things about being in a class full of same-sex students is that they speak up. So, there are engaging, sometimes heated discussions I’d never seen at co-ed among the younger students. I never would have gotten in based on my hs gpa. Good luck. I’m happy to share more of my experience if you want to know more.