Low GPA - What are my university options?

Question

I am graduating from high school next year and I really want to go to UCLA or a similar university but my high school GPA is really low.

I am thinking that I may need to go to a junior college first and then transfer but I don't know what my options are. I'd really like to go to a full university in California starting next fall.

Can anybody tell me who could help me figure out what my options are? Is there anybody that can please help me with this very complicated and overwhelming process before it's too late for me?

Answer 1

well if u have a strong ACT/ SAT score, and u have done a lot of volunteering and extra curricular activities, then u can definitely apply to a full college and try for it! if u get in, then thats great. if not, then u can always go to any college ur accepted into, or a community college, and transfer out after 1 or 2 years.

GPA isnt always everything, though its pretty important. There have been many students with extremely low GPA's getting into top-notch colleges because of the other stuff they did! soo good luck!

Answer 2

What's "really low?" Sounds like you want to go to a large school; why? You need to ask yourself "why" on many questions before reaching a decision.
Attempting to read between the lines, you may want to seriously consider a small college & not necessarily the local Junior College. One that is able to give you more personal attention & assistance. Perhaps it will not be as academically recognized but it will lessen your chance of flunking out. You can always transfer after improving your GPA. Universities view College grades higher than your HS performance.
Why the low GPA? Didn't you work to your potential in HS? Or didn't the classes interest you?
Are you in CA now? Many small schools aggressively look for a diverse student mix. Heck, some waive tuition if you're from a state NOT adjoining theirs!

Answer 3

Does your low GPA also mean you don't have a good mastery of wide variety of subjects? How about your study habbits and skills? You have to be concerned about not only getting INTO the universities but being able to study and compete in the environment as well.

If your honest evaluation of your own educational skills are less than satisfactory, you'll have hard time in full blown Universities. As you have already figured out, you might want to start in community colleges, work towards your AA and prepare yourself for university life. Be sure to work closely with your college advisor if you have your mind set on a certain university and certain degree, so you can be sure most of the classes you take will transfer to the university.

You have to be realistic in your choices.

Answer 4

Go to a junior college first, It will save you $$$, and it is easier to transfer into a UC from there, than get in from HS with low GPA. GO to any Jr college and make sure all the classes you take are IGETC (this may be for the state university system, but there is an equivelent for University of cal system) transferrable. Don't waste your time on non-transferable classes.

Answer 5

Even if you have a high GPA, UCLA is a difficult school to get into. So, everyone considering it - regardless of their GPA - needs to have a back up plan. That doesn't, however, mean your only other option is community college!

First, let's talk a bit about the University of California mininum requirements. It's important to understand that the UC system uses its own GPA computation, and also looks closely at test scores. The UC GPA computation is based on courses in core academic areas (known as A-G requirements) taken in 10th and 11th grade. Extra weight is given to approved honors and AP courses. The minimum UC GPA for entrance into any school in the UC system is 3.0 for instate residents, and 3.4 for out of state residents. As I said, you also need to match that GPA with certain SAT and SAT Subject test scores. You can find complete details and check to see where you might stand at:
http://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/undergrad_adm/paths_to_adm/freshman/state_eligibility.html

Now, let's assume for a moment that you won't make the UC eligibility cut. You then have several options. The University of California schools are required, by state law, to give first preference to transfers from the California community college system. If your absolute goal is to graduate from a UC school, attending a california community college and then transferring will be your best option. However, if you do decide to go that route, you need to research community colleges carefully. Ask the schools you are considering how many students actually do complete the courses required to transfer, and how many actually transfer, especially to UCLA. Some community colleges have articulation agreements with certain UC's, and that can give you a bit of an edge as well.

This is important to keep in mind if you opt for the community college option: If you do not complete the courses required to transfer to a UC, or do not earn high enough grades, you still may not be able to transfer to a UC. And, unfortunately, some community colleges are not the best in terms of advising or supporting students. The percentage of students who actually complete the required courses, or even get their Associate degree, is quite low. So, to go this route, you have to be very determined and self-motivated. And, there is still no guarantee that you will be accepted as a transfer to UCLA specifically, so you need to ask yourself if you are willing to take the chance on community college and then perhaps another UC.

OK, let's talk about other options. I happen to think that the Cal State system schools are worth a close look by everyone not eligible for the UC system. In fact, in some ways, I think many of the Cal States are BETTER options for students with low GPAs than going the community college and then trying to transfer to a UC, especially a highly competitive UC. There is something for everyone in the Cal State system, and the focus, unlike at the UC schools, is more on undergraduate education. And, the Cal States are significantly less expensive than the UC schools. So, I would suggest that you go to www.csumentor.edu and read up on the Cal States and what they offer. There are some really great opportunities and programs in the Cal States! However, keep in mind that transferring from a Cal State to a UC is very difficult to do, so if you decide to go this route, do so because you've found a good match with your interests and needs.

Your other option, of course, is to consider some of the private schools in California. There are some great options to consider, and the truth is that many have higher four year graduation rates than the UC's. Private schools typically offer a lot more support and smaller classes than the public schools. Although their "list price" is more than the UC's and Cal States, what most people don't realize is that when you add in merit money and grants, sometimes you can end up paying the same or even less than the UC's. If you'd like to investigate private options, try this website: www.aiccu.edu

However, I still wouldn't limit myself JUST to California. There are over 2,600+ four year colleges and universities in the U.S.! So, keep your mind open and look at what is available in other states as well! I have lots of resources on my blog (see below) to help you research different options, both in California and elsewhere.

Good luck!
Carolyn Lawrence, www.AdmissionsAdvice.com

Answer 6

it depends on how well you did on your sats or acts. some colleges focus on this more than others

junior college can be a great feeder into some really great schools

check with your college advisor. when i graduated from highschool i thought my gpa was low because i was freaking out, not because they actually were as bad as i thought. i got into a great school

if ucla is not your state school, try getting into a state school and transfering. the big state schools (utexas austin, u cal system, etc) prefer to take people from thier own states first, so it's harder for outsiders to get in.

Answer 7

Well, how well did u do on your SATs? I believe there's one more that you can take before they cant send any more in time to the colleges.

Talk to your counsulor, Im sure they'll help. But your best option might be jr college, then transfer. Just make sure the classes you take can be transfered for credit to the college you want to go to

Answer 8

You tried something and it didn't work. Welcome to the real world. Return to Canada and sign up for vocational training at the community college. The world needs good artisans, mechanics, health care workers, nurses, technicians and skilled craftsmen more than another mediocre sociology major.