Helping a Friend: Applying to US Schools with a Low GPA from Canada

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges faced by a friend of the original poster (OP) who has a low GPA (1.7) from a Canadian school and is considering applying to colleges in the United States. The conversation explores whether he should disclose his previous GPA or rely on his high school marks, as well as the implications of honesty in the application process.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the friend must disclose his old GPA to avoid potential consequences if the truth is discovered.
  • Others propose that attending a community college with an open admission policy could be a viable path, allowing him to improve his academic record without the burden of his past GPA.
  • A participant raises the concern that the application may require information about previous enrollment in undergraduate programs, implying that honesty is crucial.
  • There is a warning against fabricating information on applications, emphasizing the risks associated with dishonesty.
  • Some participants acknowledge that many students struggle in their freshman year and that a fresh start at a community college could lead to better opportunities in the future.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of honesty in the application process and the potential benefits of attending a community college. However, there is disagreement regarding whether the friend should disclose his GPA or rely on high school marks, with some advocating for full disclosure and others suggesting alternative approaches.

Contextual Notes

There are uncertainties regarding the specific application requirements for different colleges, including whether they ask about previous enrollment and how they evaluate applicants with low GPAs.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering college applications after academic setbacks, particularly those with low GPAs or from different educational systems.

Cudi1
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Hello, my friend attended a school in Canada where he received a bad gpa ( 1.7 ) and was required to withdraw. He now resides in America, and has asked me if he wanted to apply to school in america, would he have to show his old gpa or could he use his high school marks?
I think I gave him bad advice, I told him to use his old high school marks as they would have no way of finding out he attended school in Canada.
 
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He has to show his old GPA. If they found out he lied, he'll be in huge trouble. I suspect he'll immediately be kicked out.
 
Best thing to do is to attend a community college with open admission policy (most of them are). If he's serious about school this time, then his new (and presumably much higher) GPA will be given higher consideration. But yeah, lying about your credentials is a major no-no.
 
Thank you for the input regarding this matter, I shall let him know
 
When he fills out the application form, does it have a field asking whether he had been enrolled in another undergraduate program? If yes, he would probably have to provide that information.
 
The application asks whether he is applying as a new freshman or a transfer student. He just wants a clean slate AND is willing to do anything (even fabricate information)..
 
Cudi1 said:
The application asks whether he is applying as a new freshman or a transfer student. He just wants a clean slate AND is willing to do anything (even fabricate information)..
That is a REALLY bad idea! The CC suggestion is a very good one, and if he'll work hard, he can show that he has turned around scholastically, and apply to another college. Lots of students screw up in Freshman year due to lack of maturity, laziness, etc. Admission at the next college will be more forgiving if he attends CC and gets really good grades.
 

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