Very concerned about transferring to four year university

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges faced by a community college student with a GPA below 3.0 who is anxious about transferring to a four-year university. The student has completed an Associate of Science degree, taken fundamental physics and math courses, and has relevant experience running a physics lab and interning in astrophysics. Despite these strengths, the low GPA, particularly from poor grades in Chemistry and Physics I, raises concerns about transferability. Participants emphasize the importance of checking specific transfer requirements of target universities, which often include a minimum GPA and grade criteria for major courses.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GPA calculation and its impact on university admissions
  • Familiarity with transfer policies of four-year universities
  • Knowledge of course retake policies at community colleges
  • Awareness of the significance of extracurricular involvement in academic applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the transfer requirements of specific four-year universities
  • Learn about GPA improvement strategies, including course retakes
  • Explore options for enhancing academic profiles through internships or research opportunities
  • Contact admissions departments of target schools for personalized advice
USEFUL FOR

Community college students considering transfer to four-year universities, academic advisors, and individuals seeking to improve their academic standing for transfer applications.

Rana13
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Hello everyone!

I am having a bit of an anxiety stricken moment and would really love some advice.
I apologize in advance if I type a bit lengthy, as I am quite expressive in real life...

I am currently an undergrad student at a local community college in my city. I received my Associates of Science degree to transfer to a 4-year university last summer.
I have taken the 3 fundamental/calculus based physics series (Physics I-III), and have taken all the math courses they offer besides Linear Algebra (but have done Vector Calculus and Differential Equations) and 2 courses in Chemistry (which I am not even sure I needed to take).


My GPA is very low. This is mostly due to a terrible grade in Chemistry, Physics I and Vector Calc. I am currently going to retake these courses next quarter to make up for the grade. At my college you can retake something one time and replace the old grade with the new grade (assuming it is better). The old grade will still SHOW on the transcript, but will not be added into the cumulative GPA (thankfully).

I am really really concerned that no 4 year universities will take me with this terrible GPA. Its under a 3.0 and it's tearing me up that I might have to retake a LOT of courses to get this up.

I DO however have some things going for me. For one, I run the physics lab at the school and have done so for 2 years and am paid. I am very well aquainted with the physics and math department staff. I have also tutored at this school for about a year (also paid).
Another thing I have going for me is a I did about 6 months of an undergraduate internship with a Astrophysics research group at the University of Washington, so I have that under my belt. I am also part of a tenuring committee for one of the physics professors at my college.

That being said, I have some really good and obviously active pursuits going, but my GPA is really bad. Does anyone have any idea what they are looking for concerning transfer students? Am I completely screwed and need to retake all my classes? I've been here for two years already and most of my classmates are gone and in 4 year uni's. I am actually embarassed that I am still here. I would really like some help here to know what I should do.

Any advice would be great!
 
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Have you looked at the requirements of your target school?

From my experience as a transfer student, most public universities have a minimum overall requirement of a 2.0GPA and won't transfer any grades less than a C from a Community College. Some may also require that your last dozen credits or so have a 3.0GPA average. For your 'major' classes, or admittance to certain programs, there may be further requirements yet.

This all depends, however, on where you want to go. The school's website should have transfer guidelines, if it doesn't, contact the admissions department and talk to someone.
 

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