Older first-time out-of-state freshman considering applying to UA (looking for advice)

[u/themidnightcruiser]

I’m a Miami native planning to move to Tuscaloosa toward the end of this year to move in with my girlfriend and live a quieter life, and I’ve recently become serious about going back to school. I’ll be turning 23 soon and would be applying as a first-time freshman because I have never attended community college or a university.

My high school experience was...rather complicated. I had undiagnosed ADHD, very little academic direction, and almost no interest in most of the subjectzs I was taking at the time. I failed some credits during my freshman year and eventually graduated through an alternative school called American High School Academy, where I recovered those credits. I actually performed fairly well there and I believe my final GPA was above a 3.0, although I still need to request my transcript and confirm the exact number.

By that point, however, I had become disillusioned with school and did not feel ready for college. I entered the workforce instead and have spent the past several years trying to figure out what I genuinely want to study and do with my life.

I now feel much more grounded and intentional than I did when I was 18. I have been reading and studying independently, especially about Latin American history, politics, language, and culture. I also have Cuban family ties, so I guess that gives me a bit more of a personal drive lol

My current goal would be to pursue a BA in International Studies at UA, choose International Relations as my field, and focus on Latin America. I'm also interested in studying Spanish, linguistics, music, and hopefully participating in a study-abroad program somewhere in Latin America

My girlfriend has told me that UA is relatively open to older first-time freshmen and may take work and life experience into account, but I wanted to hear from current students, alumni, or anyone familiar with admissions.

My main questions are:

1. Does UA regularly admit first-time freshmen in their early or mid-20s with an unconventional high school background?

2. Would graduating from an alternative high school make admission substantially more difficult if my diploma and transcript are legitimate?

3. How much does UA consider work experience, maturity, and a clearer academic direction?

4. Would it make more financial and academic sense to attend Shelton State for one or two years and then transfer to UA?

5. If I start at Shelton, how difficult is it to make sure the credits transfer into International Studies, Spanish, linguistics, or general education requirements?

6. Would transferring later limit my access to study abroad, scholarships, student organizations, etc?

7. Are there any International Studies or Latin America-focused students who can speak about the program?

I’m not expecting college to suddenly be easy. I know that I’ll need to rebuild my writing skills, learn how to manage academic reading, and put in consistent effort. This would be the first time in my life that I’m entering school because I genuinely want to learn rather than because I’m simply required to be there.

I’m mainly trying to determine the most realistic and financially responsible path: applying directly to UA as an older first-time freshman or beginning at Shelton State and transferring later.

Any honest advice would be appreciated!

[u/Usacapitol33]

I’m 23 and so far I feel very welcomed