What does it take for a high school dropout to go to college?

Question

I dropped out of high school four years ago. I have my GED, but that's it. I'm not stupid, I don't think, I just had some rough times.

I want to get into a tier-1 university. Carnegie-Mellon University, specifically, for Cognitive Science.

So, is that even within the realm of possibility? Can universities flatly refuse transfers from, say, community colleges? Is it worth entertaining this as a possibility? What do I have to do?

Answer 1

good sat scores and god act scores
a ged which you have
but that kind of field you may need to take night classes with the highschool

Answer 2

It's gonna be tough, make sure you understand that. There are people with amazing grades, activities, recommendations, test scores, etc. that still don't make it into a tier 1 program.

You'll also have the stigma of being a dropout. Face it, college is more stressful and challenging than high school. If you can't handle high school, how are you going to convince the admissions committee that you can handle college without dropping out? That is their number one consideration: can you make it through their program and do well?

Anyways, I think community college or non-competitive 4-year state college will be your only chance to get started. Obviously you won't be able to get into your state's flagship university, but try to see if you can make it into any of the lower tier state schools. And yes, CMU can flatly refuse you. If they don't think you are sufficiently qualified, they can reject you as a transfer. Most schools at the highest levels have fewer and fewer transfers each year. Harvard has dropped the number of transfers they allow. I believe Yale doesn't allow many or even any transfers. You're gonna need virtually perfect grades to have any transfer hopes.

Answer 3

If you have your GED, no worries. If you are under 21, you will be required to take ACTs and SATs. With good scores, there is a high chance to get into a good college. If I were you I would get ahold of a counselor at the university you want to attend and discuss options with them. Best of luck!

Answer 4

Congrats on getting your GED and making up your mind to move beyond the past. Anything is possible. I would go on Carnegie's website and find out what their application involves. Then in your personal statement, I would play up your positives, e.g., what you overcame, your strong desire to get a BA, why you think you've got what it takes to earn a degree from Carnegie. Another important element: Your letters of recommendation should be from people who know you, are excited about your future and fully believe in your ability. Perhaps you impressed your GED instructor, or your church pastor, or the leader of a club or organization you've been involved in. What you want your application to reveal is that you are strong, able, committed, and ready to succeed.

The very best of luck to you!

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Universities can refuse transfers from community colleges. However, if you have a good SAT score and good grades in community college, they will likely accept you. Additionally, extra curricular works may help, such as community service.

Answer 7

Dropped out int 10th grade. A GED and 1280 on your SATs will get you into some decent schools: Temple, Villanova, Penn State.

Answer 8

Depends on your SATs or ACTs.You may be shooting a bit high, but if you start at a state school then you can transfer fairly easily to a better school assuming you keep your grades up and take challenging courses.

Answer 9

I would start off buy attending a community college first. i you get good enought grades rom your community college and apply to four year colleges. You may want to take sat and act and try to get a high score.