If I start at a community college, how much will my high school GPA matter when I try to transfer to a university later on? I'm not sure how my past GPA will impact my chances.
When transferring from a community college to a four-year university, your high school GPA generally matters less than your college GPA. Universities are most interested in how you have performed in your college-level classes, as this is seen as a more accurate measure of how you'll do at their institution.
Essentially, the further away you are from high school, the less emphasis universities tend to place on your high school performance. They are particularly keen to see strong college-level grades in courses that align with your intended major.
The exception to this would be if you're looking to transfer early in your college career (as a first-year or sophomore). In such cases, universities may also check your high school grades and standardized test scores because there might not be enough college-level coursework to properly evaluate your academic performance.
Lastly, different universities may have different policies, so it's important to research your specific universities of interest and, if possible, to consult with your community college's transfer advisor for personalized guidance.
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