You might be surprised at what admissions might think. Stuff happens and people (including admissions) know that. In your application you are even given the chance to explain that sort of thing (it makes for a more interesting story if you ask me!)
My advice would be to also reach out to the department admin and or department chair of the department you are interested in (CS at USC?) with a brief email. Even try to arrange a visit. If you get a chance to speak with them, explain you are nontrad student with industry experience and prior college credits with a minor blemish on your record. I can't imagine why they wouldn't let you in!
Thanks for your advice. I'm not stranger to that kind of course of action since people are more understanding when you get a chance to speak to them candidly/truthfully. That said, can speaking to the dept. heads help my admission (do depts approve applications themselves?) Either way it'd give me an excuse to go check out the facilities so I may just do that.
I wish I could afford USC but I've used up most of my grants and blown past six figures so I would get no help, but I'm fine with a UC or Cal State :)
My advice would be to also reach out to the department admin and or department chair of the department you are interested in (CS at USC?) with a brief email. Even try to arrange a visit. If you get a chance to speak with them, explain you are nontrad student with industry experience and prior college credits with a minor blemish on your record. I can't imagine why they wouldn't let you in!
Disclaimer: I'm a prof.