High School Senior here. Need help from people in college and college Alumni

[Rbraczyk]

I'm in a tough spot right now. As of current, I have a 2.3 gpa on a 4.3 gpa scale. Yes, thats a 2.0 (B-) gpa on a 4.0 scale. I also happen to have a 600 math and a 590 verbal SAT score. It shows that I'm smart, but just a lazy bastard.

As of now, I'm taking ethics seminar, which is college level, 2 classes in that seminar, and western civ, a college level class.

In addition I am taking Math 4, which is precalc, Latin 2, and Advanced Engineering.

Aside from reccomendations, which should look good, I'm nauseas about applying and not getting in. I'm looking at UNH, UMaine, Umass lowell, Merrimack in Andover Mass, and St. Anselm's in Goffstown NH.

If none accept me, I can go to a lower grade college, and then transfer, but I don't want to do that unless its my only chance.

Anybody have any ideas what to do?

[TexasF355F1]

If all else fails go to community college first. So many people look down upon it, but it really helps acclimate one with how college is.

[Andydg]

Originally Posted by TexasF355F1

If all else fails go to community college first. So many people look down upon it, but it really helps acclimate one with how college is.

That's what I'm doing.

I was a lazy bastard in high school, I got a 2.2 grade point average and I never do well on standardized tests. I got a 20 on my ACT or SAT which ever one uses that scale I can't remember right now. But I was a HUGE dumbass and didn't take 2 full years of foreign language...that kept me from getting into a 4 year Uni. and not being able to use my mom's nice discount. I'm really kicking myself in the ass for that now. But just work real hard and try to move your GPA up as much as you can...it'll be worth it in the end.

[Rbraczyk]

I'm more than ready to go to college, i just need them to look past my past.

Also, being my fifth year (personal problems, Junior year round one) I hope that doesn't affect it.

[PBking82]

Just an observation, all the schools you listed are in New England. Perhaps you want to stay close to home, but there are schools all across the county that would accept you. I was basically in the same boat you are. I applied at Umass and didn't get in. The thing that kills you is the relativly decent SAT scores vs. you're low GPA. Schools don't like that because it shows that you have either very good test taking skills(like I do) or you are a pretty smart(book wise) person who doesn't apply themselves to the course work. Apply to all the schools you want, but be prepared for a letdown because a lot of schools won't even look at you unless you have at least a 2.5-3.0. Go to a community college and prove yourself, that way you can transfer(because after 2 years of college, they don't even look at your highschool transcript.) I was gonna go to a community college but I couldn't deal with living at home, and seeing all the people that I went to highschool with on a day to day basis. I also couldn't realistically see spending the money to move away to go to a community college. So, I'm going to a tech school now but at least I'm getting an associates degree in buisness. Good luck in the search, it is generally a major pain in the ass no matter what your grades are. Also, don't listen to you're guidence counsler(s) because 9 out 10 times they don't have a fucking clue what they are talking about. Peace-

[Rbraczyk]

I figure if I can get an interview, I can prove myself to be worthy in a colleges eye's.

Now with two years at a CC, do you transfer to a four year and do two more years to earn a B.A.?

[lamehonda]

Just make sure you go to a CC that will complement the university that you plan on attending after the 2 years. MAKE SURE all of the classes will transfer. Also, do the research yourself and don't depend solely on your advisor for info on what classes to take. Taking a class you don't need sucks very hard.

Good Luck to you.(Graduated in May and still unemployed )

[PBking82]

Originally Posted by Rbraczyk

I figure if I can get an interview, I can prove myself to be worthy in a colleges eye's.

Now with two years at a CC, do you transfer to a four year and do two more years to earn a B.A.?

That depends on the school and what the classes are and if the credits will transfer. A friend of mine went for 1 1/2 years at a 4-year school then transfered to a c.c. and the classes he took at the 4-year wouldn't transfer because they were more credits than the classes at the c.c. Before you register for anything. Figure out what you want your major to be, find out what classes they offer at the c.c., then find out if those credits will transfer to a 4-year school to complete the b.a. Also, if you intend on going all the way for the b.a., be prepared to be there for at least 5 years. Another friend is a very studious student and is going for his b.a. He is on his 5th year and is still not sure if he is gonna be able to complete the degree this year(might have to go back for another semseter.) That's just because scheduling classes is a bitch and there are only so many hours in a day to go to class. As for the interview, go for it man, the worst thing that can happen is they say no. In my search I had interviews with 5 schools, and was told if that was what i wanted to do, go to a c.c. and study there for a year or 2 and transfer if my grades are good enough. Like lamehonda said, don't listen to the advisor, they will tell you anything you want to hear. Do all of your own research and be throughoh(sp?) about it. Peace-

[turtlecrxsi]

Some good advice ^^ What you defnitely need to do is figure out your course of study or major that you want to commit yourself. If you do get interviewed by a university you may have a shot at getting in depending on what the university is looking for or has the capacity to accomodate. If you cannot get into a university right away and you decide to go to community college, make absolutely sure that the courses do in fact transfer to the school you're aiming at transferring to, because most of the time they don't; especially between states.

Personally, I did really well in high school but sucked on my SATs and I really wasn't ready to go away to a university so I went to a community college with about every other friend I had from high school. Basically, I partied a lot and overestimated my ability to do well in college so I got some poor grades and felt like a dumbass. Then I moved from NJ to SC and felt as if I never had a chance at Clemson University so I went to a local community college and did okay in some things and sucked in others just like up north so I still didn't really know what to do. My parents kept saying to go to Clemson. Well, after over a year of working and partying I transferred and about 10 classes did not get accepted so that was about 30 credits that I had taken for the sole purpose of either getting poor grades or learning something that I didn't need to. Anyway, the 4 year school was great even though I still lived at home. I didn't party so much and managed a BA after about 3 years and an MA after 2 more years while working full time.

So, just make sure you know what you want...

[sganc4life_4]

2.0 is a C average, not B-, 1.0=D, 2.0=C, 3.0=B, 4.0=A

Also, it depends on what you want to study, im actually going to school for auto tech, then waiting a couple years til I go back for computer engineering.

[Steel]

You ever think aobut UMass Amherst? I don't think you'd have a problem getting into there. Theres some real dumb motherf&%#ers in there, so you wouldnt have to worry. I can acclimate you to some parties up there too, heh.

[TexasF355F1]

Originally Posted by lamehonda

Just make sure you go to a CC that will complement the university that you plan on attending after the 2 years. MAKE SURE all of the classes will transfer. Also, do the research yourself and don't depend solely on your advisor for info on what classes to take. Taking a class you don't need sucks very hard.

Good Luck to you.(Graduated in May and still unemployed )

I graduated in August, but wrapped up classes June 30th and I'm still unemployed too. But it's getting old now. I need to call a head hunter. Probably the only way you can really get a job if you didn't have an internship.

[lamehonda]

Originally Posted by TexasF355F1

I graduated in August, but wrapped up classes June 30th and I'm still unemployed too. But it's getting old now. I need to call a head hunter. Probably the only way you can really get a job if you didn't have an internship.

I had an internship at the hospital here, but it's really too small to offer me a permanent job. What did you get your degree in?

[Vtec95Civic]

Yeah a 2.0 is a C.. and don't worry about getting into college. I had a 2.1 GPA and almost didn't graduate, with a 1270 SAT score and I'm typing this from my dorm room.

[Ace$nyper]

Originally Posted by TexasF355F1

If all else fails go to community college first. So many people look down upon it, but it really helps acclimate one with how college is.

I took almost all of my highschool at one really helped ease into college life