Can I get into a university?

Question

I'm a working adult who graduated form high school 4 years ago. My grades in high school were pretty decent ( B average). I'm planning on going back to school. I know I have to take my SATs, but what are the chances of me getting into a good college or university even if I get high SAT scores?

I'm not planning on going to an Ivy league school or anything like that, but I was just wondering what my chances are getting into a university. Would colleges and/or universities even look at my grades from high school since they are so old? I would really rather not start at a community college, I would like the chance to go to a big school with a big community.

Answer 1

i had a friend that went to college a few years after high school. They still look at your high school record, but the SAT or ACT plays a huge part on getting in to a college. It sounds like you have a great chance on getting in to a decent college. Good Luck.

Answer 2

I returned to college back in 2004 after a nine year break. Try not to think of the community college thing as a long term situation - one or two semesters at a CC will greatly affect the kind of University you can get into. Not only will have you have the chance to improve your grades, but the University will see that you're capable of handling collegel level coursework. It's also cheaper, credit is the same, and community colleges offer better opportunities for night courses, allowing you to continue working if you need to.

If you do not have community college credit, then yes - the University will ask to see your high school credit. I go to CSU, and without CC credit they required the high school transcript and SAT scores. As a B student, your chances are okay - not great, not bad.

Also, how well do you think you'll do on the SAT having been out of school for four years? I know for me, a lot of that algebra etc had faded. That's another thing the CC could help you with. I hope you'll think about it!

Best of luck in whatever you do!

Answer 3

If you have not gone to College since high school then you need to take the SAT, The university will look at your high school grades. Or you can go to a community college for one year and transfer, A CC does not require SAT scores

Answer 4

If you're old enough, you won't even need to take the SAT. You might contact them just to make sure that you don't need to. If you took 4 years of English, Math, Science, basically every core subject through your senior year that will be very helpful for you.
Usually I think they will review applications individually. I know Iowa State University does for such applications.
I would really contact the university for their policies though. If you need a little boost, taking a few courses at a community college certainly help a lot.
Policies will depend on schools, but I think you will be fine. I think you should also look for schools that are good on specalized areas and not just look for some of the better ranking schools.

Answer 5

Your high school transcript basically go with you FOREVER.
So if you had an F, it would reflect.

Going to a State school, or the local public college isn't a death sentence. You definitely have a chance of getting into a college, but your SAT's would have to be at least somewhat competitive.

If you want to get into a good school, you need to complete the new SAT, which includes 3 parts (math, reading, and writing). If you dislike the format of the SAT, you can try the ACT which is based on a 36 point scale and does not mark you off for getting a question wrong.

Good Luck!

Answer 6

You may not even have to take the SATs. Many colleges don't require them if you've been out of school for a substantial period of time and you enter the college in their adult program.

But to answer your question, they will be looked at, but their age will diminish their weight.

Finally, I had horrible grades and only above average sat scores, and i got into a so-so four year school, did well enough to transfer to a state school with a solid reputation, worked for two years, went to law school, and am now a lawyer practicing in a cutting edge field.

So ultimately, I don't think bad grades limit you.

Answer 7

Yes, you can do this. They will look at your grades, since they don't have any other grades to look at, and the SAT will matter a lot too. I understand that you feel old, but realize that there are plenty of people at most colleges who graduated from high school when you did; they are just seniors by now.

Answer 8

Depending upon where you apply,
(1) Your application might be treated exactly like a recent high school grad's application.
(2) You might get "extra" credit (not measurable) for being more mature and having succeeded in the working world.
(3) You might get extra consideration if you personally appear before the dean of admissions and give a personal story why you're a more-serious-than-average student.

In any case, letters of recommendation from people who know of your maturity, dedication, and productivity can't hurt. Those who write such letters should make it known what they are recommending you for and why. You can turn over original letters, but they should be written for your acceptance into ANY university, so you can reuse copies of them.

The older your high school experience, the less the university is likely to consider the level of your grades.

Answer 9

well yeah..my mom did that..she went to a university and its been way more than 4 years since shes been in college. and there are lots of other adults that go back to college and do it through universities. they dont care how old you are or your history...if you have decent grades and a good sat score, they should take you. bascially..they just want your money..lol..i mean, my mom didnt even have a high school diploma, she had a ged..theyre not near as picky as you think...she didnt even take the SAT..and yes it WAS a good university.

Answer 10

You have an excellent chance of getting into a good school!!!! im 24 and just started at the beginning of this year at the Art Institute of California Los Angeles. Which is one of the best culinary arts schools in the U.S. so just go for it !!!!!! If you dont try you will never know!!!!!!