<p>1st time posting here. I’m an older student (44 years) that graduated HS in 1986 & recently returned to school after 10+ years out. I’m attending college now full time as I’m working very little courtesy of the recession. The difference between this & working 40+ hours is amazing!! Which leads me to my question. My grades are considerably higher now than back then. I currently have a 3.8 GPA, member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society & I’m enrolled in Honors courses as well. 1st question how will past performance (average performance) affect my current performance if I have plans to transfer? Also I took the ACT (20 or so years ago!) should I take the SAT now or are those scores still even valid?! Also will my age put me at a disadvantage? Sorry for all the questions but I’m so glad to be able to return to school, as I never seriously thought I would have the opportunity. I’m kicking butt & taking names!</p>
<p>You might also want to post your thread on the Non-Traditional Students forum (under College Admissions, Specialty Topics).</p>
<p>Thanks, I don’t know my way around here yet as I apparently posted on the wrong one & got moved here. In either case looking forward to receiving feedback.</p>
<p>Congratulations on PTK!!</p>
<p>Generally speaking, new good grades are more important than old bad ones. Many 4-year institutions do not require ACT/SAT exam scores from transfer students, especially if those transfers have a full associates degree. Many colleges and universities don’t require exam scores for non-traditional age students like you. So do ask each admissions office separately. If at all possible speak to the head of transfer admissions, not to the work-study kid who answer the phones. Likewise, if the place has an office for adult students, or non-trad, or whatever you would be considered there, talk with the head of that office.</p>
<p>Lastly, make good use of the transfer counselors at your own institution. They can really help you through this whole process. You absolutely do not have to re-invent this particular wheel.</p>
<p>Wishing you continued success!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for your reply. I was actually thinking about taking the SAT but it seems kind of ridiculous seeing I’m currently excelling at all my classes. It’s very encouraging. I’ll definately utilize the transfer help at the PTK/Honors program at STC. Apparently from what I’ve heard they do alleviate transfers & help with letters of recommendation etc. I’m pretty close to my professors so letters of recommendation should be no problem. This is my last shot due to my age, so I either do it or simply keep dreaming. I’ll see how things pan out. Any other feedback is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>While I’m not quite as seasoned as you, I’m 27 and, like you, did not so well (see:horrible) years past, but am of a different and more driven mind-set. No honors, but I am serving on the executive board for the student government as well as raising a 1 and 3 year old and trying to survive here in southern california. I was in and out of an internship for a congressional campaign (47th district, DeLong) but have spent less time than I would have liked to. </p>
<p>I questioned my ability to transfer in as well, and have had some correspondence with the dean of admissions at UVa, what he told me is that it isn’t required for transfer, but it wouldn’t hurt to get the scores. Maybe because I am transferring as a 2nd year only, but he said with students 10 or more years out of high school, they don’t require it for admissions. </p>
<p>I decided to do the whole shebang though, and ended up taking the SATs, this morning actually. I’m comfortable with how I handled the test, I feel like I did reasonably well on the essay, and while my math is less than exciting (practice tests hovered around the 600 mark) I was hitting as high as 700+ on the other two. My outlook on it is that while they don’t require it, I feel like showing them the full effort on my part (and hopefully respectable scores) will give me a little bit of an edge. </p>
<p>On a side note; taking SATs as an “old man” tested my mental fortitude more than many situations I’ve endured in my life, and I’ve spent the 5 of the last 10 years of my life as an Army Infantryman. I know the test administrator was double checking everything about my registration, I’m sure she thought I was trying to take it for a little brother or something. Doesn’t help that I’m fully bearded and about 6’2 of veteran manliness.</p>
<p>Thanks for sharing Gettingoutofca. Good luck in all your endeavors. I just feel I don’t want to take any chances either. Having said that, I feel my GPA is representative of my abilities. I’m sure they will consider the fact I won’t be out drinking/partying like the younger kids, been there done that. It’s all work for me.</p>
<p>that has a large impact on chances, from what I’ve been able to gather on the subject. That and they understand that we as… well… seasoned students, bring more to a conversation, debate, and overall learning environment based on life experience that an 18 year old straight out of high school kid does not have. </p>
<p>but yes, like you said, we’re far less likely to spend a couple semesters at school before dropping out and spending a couples years living in Europe or something. GL to you, and if you decide to take the SAT/ACT good luck, and try not to pay attention to the high school kids giving you the “***” eye.</p>
<p>I’m 35 years old and I applied for spring transfer to a top 5 engineering program. I never went to college after high school, so I don’t have to worry about past college transcripts working against me. I did retake the ACT. It was not required but its the primary selection criteria for a scholarship I want. My high school score (in 1994) was 24, last year I scored a 32 composite. I have a 4.0 GPA, so the only thing working against me is my old high school transcript and my age.</p>
<p>Some schools tell older students that they should not take the ACT/SAT. I would identify your target transfer schools first before you decide what to do.</p>
<p>(ps: My friend also applied for spring transfer and has already been accepted to a top 10 engineering program. She is 31 with a 3.0 overall GPA, 3.7 technical GPA)</p>
<p>Thanks eclark6. I agree I think I’ll wait & see if the schools I’m considering ask for a re-take. I had a 24 as well I believe back about 25 years ago lol!</p>
<p><-- 29, former top ten engineering program flunk out. Current Aero/Materials double major, PTK, Dean’s List, stay at home dad with two part time jobs.</p>
<p>I personally feel like SAT/ACT’s are pointless after you’ve got 30+ credits under your belt. That said, if you take them now and score well, it can only help you. If you take them and don’t score well, and you don’t have to submit them as a transfer student, then it’s win-win.</p>
<p>I don’t plan to take (retake technically, 1360/1600 in 2001) them because the toughest school I’m trying to get into is the state flagship. Also I’m a lazy lump relying on my GPA for the past 55/future 17 credit hours (4.0) to do the talking. </p>
<p>On an aside, isn’t it fun watching the 18-19 year olds in your classes screw up due to poor time management and lack of discipline? Oh to be young again!</p>