<p>Id like to give you some background information about me before I ask the question. I promise not to go into great detail. </p>
<p>I am 26 years old currently at a California community college with a GPA of 3.0. In the past, in 2002, and 2004, I took a couple classes and stopped going, did not drop them so now I have a couple F’s on my record which is why my GPA is a 3.0 and not 3.5 or higher. </p>
<p>I never took school seriously, I should have graduated from high school in 2001, and didn’t do it til 2004. I know I could have done well, I just felt like school wasnt for me, so why go if I have no interest performing. However, until I went back to cc one year ago, I really started taking things seriously. I take an average of 18-20 quarter units every quarter, though like I said earlier, my GPA is a 3.0, I’m going to retake the classes, which will help boost my GPA. So that’s that. </p>
<p>During the gap in school, I worked for almost 7 years. 3 years in retail, another 3 years in sales, with the last year with a management title. I had some family issues, lost a parent, and had to take care of my two little brothers while going back to school for the first year. Now I am planning on getting involved in volunteer work that pertains to the line of work I want to get into. Meanwhile, I am going to work my butt off in school to get my gpa as high as I can, while becoming more involved in the community. </p>
<p>I am planning on applying to Haas as an undergrad next year, which would mean I would attend in 2011 if I were accepted. While they say only 50% of admissions is based on gpa, and 35% essay, and 15% extra curricular, I feel as though my grades would not be up to par with a 3.5 or so, but my life experience as well as the extra curricular activities would help make a difference. Why Haas? Aside from being a top b school for undergrads, it would let me remain closer to family which is important, for all of us. Ive looked at other business programs in Northern and Southern California, there are no schools that can prepare me for the career I’d like to pursue like the program at Haas can. </p>
<p>So here is my question, has anyone in the past experienced something similar to what I have just explained, and how has it affected your academic career? Did you get into the school you wanted to go to? I’m wondering how much emphasis is placed on the past, because I feel like I am a completely different person now, more mature and grown up, would the admissions committee at any school put my past into consideration when it was obviously a case of a kid making some dumb choices but learning from them? I know the majority of people who read this will think I’m crazy for thinking about applying to Haas, though I think I have as fair of a chance at Haas than someone who is two years out of high school with a 4.0 and a limited amount of life/work experience. I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments regardless, thank you for any input.</p>