I do not think you’re making a mistake by retaking calculus, and by taking any other classes required by NC State for transfer students. I do not think you’re making a mistake by finishing your associates at J&W, and then transferring to a different, stronger college to get your bachelors. In fact, once you have your bachelors, no one will care where you got your associates (you can even leave it off your resume if you want to. )

However, you must apply to more colleges than just NC State. You must have some backups that you like. I want you to go to a good school in a year, but there is no guarantee that it’ll be NC State. Have some backups.

NC State is an extremely competitive college to get into. They let in less than half of the transfer applicants who apply. The average GPA of its admitted students is higher than your current GPA. I believe that you should apply, no question, but you must have some back up schools.

When you do apply to schools, I recommend you follow this pattern:
- NC State and, if you want, one other somewhat reach school
- A couple schools that fit your GPA quite well
- A couple schools where your GPA makes you pretty darn sure you’d get in
- One super back up school, which you really, really think you’ll get into.

And make *all* those schools be academically respectable colleges that fit that “real college” criteria you’ve set.

An aside: when you retake calculus, ask for tutoring immediately. Do not wait until you’re having trouble – you already know you’ve failed this course once. Ask for tutoring in the first week or so. The cc will have a tutoring center, or ask your academic advisor to help hook you up with a tutor.

Best of luck!!!!!