As of right now, the only school I want to get in to is USC (but of course I will look for other schools). I feel that if I am able to get into USC, a lot of opportunities will open up for me once I graduate that will guarantee me work in a field that will supplement my intended goal which is to help at-risk youths. I am debating whether or not I should take the GRE to apply for UCLA, CSUF, CSULB, etc. I want to take the GRE as my last resort. My GPA is not that great; however, I am starting to volunteer at a few(3) non-profit organizations to help build my resume. These non-profit organizations mainly help at-risk youths. My plan is to put as much hours as I can as a volunteer until I apply. I am definitely going to make my volunteer an on-going process even after applying to the schools for my Masters. Well the questions are: Am I even qualified to apply at USC? Has anyone been in the same situation as me before in the means of GPA?
MY GPA:
Cumulative GPA: 2.7~2.8
Undergrad GPA(CSUF): 3.1
Degree: B.A. of Criminal Justice
Why my GPA was so low from the start: I really messed up on my community college years as I was struggling financially and handling family problems (shouldn't be an excuse; I know...). I was just stressing through many things in my life while attending school (Ex: Losing a home). I even had to take a year off from school to work full-time (graveyard shift) as a security officer just so my family and I can survive. We are doing much better now in the means of family problems and financial crisis. I don't know whether or not if I should put these type of situations in my Personal Statement. What do you think?
Thank you in advanced for answering! Any insight and opinions is greatly appreciated.
