Any input to where?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>May 1st is approaching--too fast! My planned study is either an Information Management Systems or Computer Science. </p>

<p>Clark University- 23,000 a year w/ scholarships. (Open campus as to majors)
Boston University- 55,000 a year (Undecided)
RIT- 29,000 a year (Accepted to school of Business, switch of majors possible)
University of Maryland- College Park- 35,000 (Spring Add, undecided)
Purdue University- 35,000 (School of business, switch of majors unsure)
University of Mass- Amherst- 22,000 a year (Business, switch of majors possible)</p>

<p>Those are the schools in which I have basically narrowed down to. Money is an issue, I will be mostly funding this myself--therefore, I will be taking everything in loans. That absolutely kills Boston University.</p>

<p>University of Maryland has been my 1st choice since I began my college search. I loved the campus. The problem is again--costs. That, and I am not guaranteed into Business if I choice to do that track. But I believe computer science is not an LEP. </p>

<p>I hated Umass, passionately. But it's the cheapest option. But gah.</p>

<p>Clark University is a liberal arts school. They have a "3+2" program with Columbia University, which means I could possibly attend Columbia University and get a bac of science there--if I manage to get at least a 3.0 in all my classes. Concern: I hate physics in HS this year (I do maintain a high grade), and I am concerned about NOT getting 3.0's. If that's the case, I'd get a bac of arts for Computer Science. Bad? I thought the campus was alright.</p>

<p>RIT is a mixed reaction for me. I loved the "innovation" and the free laundry and sport facilities. I am really worried about girls (I think a diverse community offers a large learning environment, and I'm a guy..). That, and when I went to the business thing for the MIS program, some that I meet did not seem quite bright. One girl told us outright she'd been denied from Umass and is practically forced to attend RIT. That made me concerned. I thought the school was relatively competitive. </p>

<p>The conclude: I LOVED UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND. It was by far the most awesome school I had ever seen. I was awed. I think it will offer highly motivated students to befriend as well (avg gpa was a 3.98), which is a factor for me too! The concern is that it's a very big school, and it's out-of-state expensive.</p>

<p>Clark offers the possibility of Columbia, but there is the chance that it doesn't happen. I have a huge impression that it's difficult to maintain 3.0 in the "3+2" program. </p>

<p>Any input would be really appreciated. All of these schools above I liked, except for Umass (which made the list because of costs).</p>

2

<p>Well we clearly know that BU is out lol look at that tuition!!! Im not to familiar with Clark but the program with columbia seems awesome. I would opt with Clark because of cheaper tuition and consolidated program with Columbia.</p>

3

<p>Yes, it’s definitely out–just denied my appeal!</p>

<p>Thanks for the input, that is certainly true. Luckily I still have one more week to think about it. (I would certainly appreciate more time, however!) =]</p>

4

<p>I don’t expect someone entering college to know what they want, but …</p>

<p>Interested in I.T. but interested in a Columbia ENGINEERING program. </p>

<p>Interested in I.T. but applying to schools as a business major. </p>

<p>You want to be with guys with high G.P.A.s but you also express concerns about getting B’s.</p>

<p>I’m not a fan of programs that would (at the minimum take you 5 years to get your B.S. degree. But I still would suggest Clark, just try some things before getting locked into a major or getting stressed out about your G.P.A. as a freshman. They offer a lot of majors and are no slouch in business. </p>

<p>FWIW, the girl next door switched from Communications to Business at UMaryland. She had a 3.5 and still had to do a formal application (including essays) for admissions to the B-School. Because of prereqs, she is on the five year plan.</p>

5

<p>As I said…I am interested in either computer science or an MIS. Computer science falls under Columbia’s engineering program “3+2” =].</p>

<p>MIS majors typically fall under the business schools, which is where I initially applied. It was where I thought would most fit me. However, I have lately been programming myself and found myself exceedingly interested in going more in depth–which is why I now am looking at computer science. However, I am still unsure as to where I REALLY want to do as I have no experience in anything else. (My father is an IS manager, who has his master in Computer Science from Chalmer’s–he got me interested in computer science). </p>

<p>My high school gpa is about 3.85ish if you discount my freshman year, taking the most difficult classes that my school offers. I went to a Clark meeting, and they told me that the “3+2” program is exceedingly difficult. This is affirmed by many telling me that they have actually never seen someone do it at Clark, or at least do the “3+2” program; it is an accelerated program (they meaning those who work at the University)</p>

<p>I have never been to college before (clearly), so I do not know what to expect. Therefore, I do not want to assume I will easily maintain a 3.0 and base my whole decision on my high school performance. </p>

<p>I am sorry for my seemingly contradicting post. Thanks for your input! :)</p>

6

<p>RIT gave me an extra 5,500 a year. 23,500 total now.</p>

<p>I am now between Clark University and RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology). The financial difference are not substantial at all anymore. Anyone have any input?</p>

<p>I have no idea what to do! I hope to make a decision tonight; however, I am completely split mind about this!</p>

7

<p>Bump!</p>

<p>Any more input? It would be greatly appreciated!</p>

8

<p>Clark has a computer science major that seems separate and apart from the 3-2 Columbia program. Is that major a possibility for you?</p>

9

<p>RIT! That would be my choice.</p>

10

<p>@Mid
Yes, it would :)</p>

11

<p>Is the Columbia degree guaranteed with a 3.0? Why do boatloads do this?</p>

<p>Honestly, these all seem like unreasonable debt. A good CS grad is making $50-$60K/yr which probably won’t go up much for several years. Making that and owing over $100K will severely limit you. Realize the loans will get bigger every year, especially at state schools. Have you considered community college for 2 years?</p>

12

<p>Thanks for your input! </p>

<p>I have considered community college; it was my top option for awhile due to finances. Perhaps you are right, I will look at it more. I will send a deposit to one of these schools in the meanwhile, while I’ll discover this route more closely.</p>

<p>I have chosen RIT in the meanwhile. I appreciate everyone’s input! :slight_smile: It ended up being cheaper than Clark with the additional financial aid they offered (grants). And I really did like it!</p>

<p>Thanks again!</p>

13

<p>Clark is a unique place…has a significant grad school but is the size of a smallish liberal arts college. Interesting mix of students. Biggest drawback is the seedy neighborhood it’s in. But going there for the Columbia 3:2 program seems like a bad idea…so many variables would have to turn out just right for it to be worth it (your GPA, your interest in engineering, the money, etc).</p>