Q: I went to a community college a few semesters ago but did poorly because I was unmotivated. I blame myself for my poor academic performance. Currently, I am trying to attend another community college, and get into a nursing program. I was wondering if the transcript department would DEMAND to see my previous college transcripts, which amount to less than 20 hours and have less than a 2.0 GPA, or would they be willing to give me an academic fresh start since I have been out of college for a few semesters? Is there anyway I can just attend general ed required core classes, in order to prep for being accepted into this community colleges nursing program, without having to disclose this my embarressing track record to an advisor? What's the LIKELYHOOD that they will or will not require to see my previous transcripts? (Remember- I don't even want include them; I'd prefer to start over so they don't lower my GPA and chances of being selected for the nursing program. )
A: Okay, so you had a false start to college, but you're now re-enrolled at a new school, and you're wondering if the past is going to come back to haunt you. Here's my advice: Obviously, it's important to work hard, stay focused and get good grades at your new school. If you can, take the same classes again (or their nearest equivalents), and make sure you earn good grades in those classes. Remember, if you want to count any of those old classes towards your degree requirements, you are opening the door to an evaluation of ALL of those old grades, you can't expect to cherry-pick the grades you like, and ask a school to ignore the others. Use your previous poor performance as a motivation aid. Commit yourself to the determination to demonstrate what you are really capable of. Then... When you apply to nursing school... Tell the nursing school all about those bad grades. "Look at these," you'll say, "I'm not embarrassed by them. Do you know why? Because these motivated me to do THIS!" and then show them your new and improved grades. When the nursing school compares your D in English Comp with an A the second time around, and that C in Introduction to Biology with yet another A, they'll see how much more mature and focused you were in your return to school. If you get the opportunity to write an essay - focus the essay specifically on the "lessons I learned from my horrible college start", and tell the admissions department that you're actually glad you did so poorly, because it took a little shaking up to get you on the right track. Don't let your old transcripts come back to haunt you by trying to hide from them - instead, use them as Exhibit #1 for just how dedicated and determined and capable you really are. Good luck to you - I hope that encouraged you a bit.