I am 29 years old and am now looking to make a return to the "classroom", so to speak. My high school transcript is not that fantastic. I, unfortunately, was not looking ahead for the prize like I needed to be (a problem I carried with me into college). I do not remember what my GPA was, but it was not impressive. My SAT score was 1190, which I probably should have worked on improving. I attended Georgia Southern immediately after high school, and ended up doing more of everything else except going to class for that academic year. I know I passed a few courses, but my GPA was such that I was such that I had to take a quarter off after that (some kind of forced one). I have not seen my transcript for my time there (this was back in 1992-1993). I also attended a local tech school back in 1995-1996. A few things happened in my life that resulted in some WFs (I messed up and did not withdraw myself from some courses before I was forcefully withdrawn). Since 1998, I have been working with an ISP. I have worked in their Engineering, Network Security, and Network Abuse areas since 9/1999. I gave you all of the background to try and demonstrate that I've made some mistakes with my schooling, but do know more than my academic transcript would likely demonstrate. I want to 'return to school', hopefully via some distance learning so it can be worked around my job and life with my son and wife. I am wondering if people here can help me with a few questions/doubts I have about whether I can pull it off properly : (1) I am concerned about actually getting accepted, due to my shady sort of academic record. Should I be overly concerned about this, or have admissions officers seen this kind of thing before and might be willing to work with me? (2) Are negative transcripts (little to no transferable hours, I fear) better than no college transcripts? (3) Would my SAT score even be valid since it was taken more than 10 years ago? I think the reviews required to do as well today might be tough. (4) This one is actually similar to question 1. I have been thinking that being upfront, completely honest, and including all transcripts would be the best way to go (as opposed to trying to hide the negative ones and perhaps say I have not attended any college at all) and hopefully I could explain how I messed that all up as a younger adult but am actually dedicated now, with a goal in mind to learn as much as I possibly can (with a degree to prove it). Do I stand a chance? Thanks for your time and any advice/guidance you folks may be able to offer.
> I want to 'return to school', hopefully via some distance learning Well, for most distance learning programs, your background doesn't really matter. Excelsior College, for example, will give you credit for Microsoft and other computer certifications towards its Bachelor's degrees in Technology. They don't require you to submit any transcripts you don't want to. If you do submit a transcript, they will automatically exclude the F's, and will include or exclude grades of D and higher as per your request. They certainly don't require SAT scores. If this isn't what you're looking for, tell us more.
Step 1: Forget the past, it is over. Step 2: Take some courses at your local jounior/cpmmunity college (do not even need to be a HS graduate to take courses). Step 3: Build up a good/current GPA. Step 4: Then apply to a program for a degree. This will take a little time (about 1-2 years), but then it has been over 10 since you last started. You do have time, and remeber Step 1.
Your concerns are understandable, but the truth is - it don't matter! Go to BA in 4 Weeks, it was written for you. We've been waiting. Go to the home page and read the graduate profiles. See also "Lawrie's Q&A" and the "Q&A archive". http://bain4weeks.com http://bain4weeks.com/guestbook/ http://bain4weeks.com/readersquestions.html Others have been there, done that - lugging similar baggage. First challenge is turning the whispering "can't do", into a big, bold "CAN DO" (and you really can . . . do). Vital step 1. Read the testimony of others, just like you. No requirement that you even consider credit by examination. Do step 1 and go your own way if you like. Stay with the enablers and with the winners who have already marked the path. Do not prejudge your potential and your capacity for improvement. They are likely greater than you think. Do not limit your time horizon. If you really convince yourself you cannot complete this project in less than (say) two years, then you can bet it will take you at least that long. Dare to do something extraordinary. __________________________________________________ Lawrie Miller http://bain4weeks.com
I had 15 credits from DeVry with a wonderful 2.3 GPA. I also had military credits and microsoft exams that I transfered to earn a BS. Forget the past. Select a new school, transfer what you can, and forget the rest.
