Under qualified for college.?

Question

I graduated in 2007 and decided I wanted to just work and live for a year or so and not just march into college. Well I've finally decided that I'm ready and in the mindset to go to college for Criminal Justice - only one problem while looking at my transcript I noticed I have a GPA of 2.77 (I failed my 9th grade because we moved to a different state and I fell into a deep depression) and I never had enough money to take the ACT (I live in a part of the country where only the ACT is offered).

As I look at the admissions for the colleges I'd like they are 3.0+ and most require ACT. Now I'd have no problem taking the ACT but upon looking at the practice tests I don't remember ANYTHING and I'm sure I'd do horrid.

I looked into community colleges but they offer not courses I'm interested in and their credits don't transfer well

So please help me out with some real advice.

I really want to further my education but it seems like I'm stuck.

Answer 1

Well you do have a chance to explain yourself in your college essay...and a 2.77 isn't that bad.

If you don't remember ACT material book stores have study guides...

Probably your best bet is to go to a community college.

If you go straight into a university or college, your first year you will be stuck with taking general boring classes that have nothing to do with your major, it is just the way most colleges work.

If you graduate a community college with an associates degree, your credits will more like transfer.

Answer 2

You should keep searching for a community college that has an "articulation agreement" with a 4-year college (that means all the courses are accepted).  You will take many courses in which you may not be interested, as there are general education requirements for graduation from most universities--these include English, literature, history, 2-3 sciences one with a lab, math (or an equivalent), art or equivalent, etc.  

Do NOT go to a for-profit vocational college, as their degrees are dubious and often their placement record is very poor.  Often state 4-year schools do take a lower GPA for in-state residents, but you will need the SAT or ACT.  This is one purpose of a CC -- to prepare students who may not be ready for a 4-year school the classes they need.  I would reconsider a CC.