<p>My GPA is usually around 2.5-3.0. I wish to study the Japanese language, art and possibly business with focus on entertainment. I’d like to attend an LAC and I’ve had my eye on Pomona (reach), Occidental or University of Puget Sound. I’ve never had any ECs during high school because quite frankly, I didn’t know what I wanted to do back then and even so, I really had no idea about doing this that and the other to look good for colleges and stuff. I figured you get you GPA and see who takes you! Right now I attend a CC and the reason my grades never really seem to be up to par to just about ANYBODY on this forum is because I’m taking GE classes and honestly hold no interest in the subjects. It’s much harder for me to grasp a subject I could care less about (like math. I detest it and hope it burns in hell! A C is like and A to me and I’m content with a D, as long as I get out the class). I do extremely well in Japanese class though with As and one B, art comes natural to me and I have a huge interest in the entertainment industry so I want to study business to make myself more marketable in case nothing pans out. I graduated HS in 2001 with a 2.3 GPA and it’s hovered between 2.5 and 3.0 since I’ve been out going to CC on and off since then. I have been working all this time though so at least I have something and am finally starting to figure out what I want (maybe). I just feel rather hopeless most times because everyone college bound is SO far ahead of me when I didn’t know half this stuff 8 years ago. I did VERY well in grade school and after my mom died 2 months into me entering middle school, everything tanked (I was lucky to graduate). What kind of school can a degree seeking GPA loser like me look forward to? I would love to stay in California (I AM interested in entertainment after all) but if it’s out of state, I’m willing to move.</p>
<p>So you’ve been attending a CC on and off for 8 years?! wow, if only i had the ability to approach life the way you do. I honestly think its great that you never settled for something you didnt want to do and continue to search for a passion. But if you’ve looked around this forum enough, you’ll realize how highly motivated, focused and somewhat myopic (IMO) we are. So be ready to get some harsh comments here and there, but don’t worry about it.
I think Pomona is way out of reach, and your gpa for a transfer is just not up to par for most colleges. I think if you look at some lesser known universities in a nearby city, you’ll find tons of great options/opportunities. For example, in LA there is national university and calstate university just to name a couple. </p>
<p>Best of luck from a high school student</p>
<p>You need to talk to the guidance office at your CC. They should have some suggestions.</p>
<p>I did attend the Art Institute for about 4 quarters and gained a $10,000 loan debt. I just couldn’t afford it anymore and I wasn’t sure what I wanted either so I dropped out. I chose Pomona because of the fact that they’ve eliminated loans in their finaid package and meet 100% need. I need a school with good finaid otherwise I can’t afford any education other than CC (even then, I have a hard time buying books). I can’t expect any contribution from my dad as he’s disabled and receives a monthly stipend so unlike most, I can’t live at home rent free. I’m broke before I get paid most times. I also hear that LACs are better if you need to shop around for your calling like I do.</p>
<p>I hate this whole process and the fact that it all costs so much. I can barely afford to live let alone get an education so that I can live BETTER. With my non-high achieving, no EC participating, honors-lacking background, I don’t qualify for most kinds of grants or scholarships unless it involves being a lower-class minority female and those never pay much. When an education is $30,000+/year, a few $4,000 grants won’t do anything. My ONLY hope is getting a better GPA this fall (all my classes are online so that I can work more). I would be taking summer classes but the summer session was cut due to state budget issues and it was too late to get any classes at the other CC near me. Life loves throwing me lemons. It needs to stop being I call quits on life altogether.</p>
<p>Does anyone know if Occidental would be okay? I always knew Pomona was kinda…out there.</p>
<p>Cal Poly Pamona? Look, your limit is 90 units so until you have that many units you still have a chance to raise your GPA. If you get a 3.0, and write a kick ass essay (dont forget to take an oral speech class because thats a must) I think you will get into any cal state with the exception of long beach. I know some people who got into cal state fullerton with 2.6 GPA. Do your extra curriculars, talk to a counselor, try to sign a TAG agreement or something. If you believe you can do it then nobody here can tell you that you cant. Seriously your major is not even close to being impacted so your GPA does not have to be astounding you know? I think you can get into a cal state if you work hard from now on.</p>