<p>I just transferred to Miami University this fall and apparently it's going to take me about 4 years to get my degree in Microbiology and Clinical Lab Sciences even though I came in just under junior standing. I didn't realize this when I was getting ready to come here, though, because we weren't able to have personalized academic advising sessions until we were here (and I wouldn't have been able to get here anyway).</p>
<p>BUT, if I transferred again to Cleveland State, which is a lot closer to home and would allow me to commute, I could finish in about 2 if I went during the summers, especially because of its close proximity to my old CC, they allow you to cross-register so I could go to CSU during the fall and spring semesters and my CC during the summer or CSU, it'll just depend on the course offerings and $$$. And I could still get the dual degree in Biology and Medical Technology.</p>
<p>Earlier today, I made the decision to just leave and I've been in a much better mood since this afternoon when I talked it over with my family. Before that I was practically in tears the entire morning. I had a conversation earlier with my suite mate and she thinks that it's not a terrible idea to be in school a little longer because of the economy, but I want to go to graduate school and the program I'm interested in is anywhere from 4-6 years but I want to work a year at a nearby hospital to save up a nice nest egg before going full time to grad school (because even with the stipend, I'd still want to have a good sized savings if that means things like getting a better apartment when I move out, or if something happens to the car I hope to get soon, etc.). And I also have loans. I'd take out loans for either school, just less if I went back home (~$8k vs ~$11k + $2,000 out of pocket per year).</p>
<p>I'm leaning so close to going to the other school in the spring semester because on paper, it just makes so much more sense. I can't think of anything that'd happen here to justify being in undergrad for a little over SIX years and still want to work for a year and then go to graduate school, but I'm not familiar with the workings of a 4-year school outside of what's on TV. Is the state of the economy worth being an undergrad that long when I could finish it up in half the time, with less debt and still (hopefully) have the same opportunities?</p>
<p>Also, Miami is a much higher ranked school than CSU. Does that matter in terms of time, $$$, and grad school prospects? The hospital I would love to work at has a lot of connections with them, so I can't imagine their rep would be too bad since Case Western is literally on the same street.</p>
<p>Help. I think I know what I want to do, but objective outlooks would help. The loans are in my name, BTW.</p>