Best choice for a fresh start

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Ok,</p>

<p>Backstory just so you understand my situation. I graduated 2004 in top 5 percent of my high school class, 1400 on SAT, solid grades and EC and went off to A&M (Mays). Didn't transition well to college at all, and did poorly solely do to skipping class. Made 2 D's and 2 F's semester one, was put on academic probation for the spring but fell into a similar rut, so I withdrew. </p>

<p>I attempted to get back into school the next year, but I blew class off again so tally up two more F's.</p>

<p>Fast forward 4 years to now, and I am back at community college full time and thriving (I was always capable of doing so, I just needed to grow as a person and get serious). Since re-enrolling I have a 4.0 over 19 hours and project myself maintaining this pattern for the foreseeable future. My dilemma is in figuring out just where I would like to transfer to.</p>

<p>I am a Dallas resident, and although not opposed to going out of state, have been looking at primarily schools here in Texas. At the moment, my target is a Business degree, specifically Management Information Systems. I've been in contact with both UT and A&M, and getting into either of those as a business student really isn't realistic at this point for me. SMU and TCU are both doable, but come along with a hefty tuition that may or may not be worth it. From there I've been looking at UT Dallas, but I don't know if I should aim higher.</p>

<p>That said, I am looking for some feedback on what course people think would net the best results for my future. Should I apply to a less competitive school at UT/A&M (transfer of credits being a non-issue)? My interests in descending order: MIS, Information Technology, Computer Programming, Psychology, Nutrition. Would it make more sense to take on the cost of a private college with a solid track record (loans would be required)? Or should I simply settle for a smaller school for my undergrad and secure an MBA at a more respected location?</p>

<p>Thanks for the help!</p>

2

<p>Well, if your math skills are good (you could get at least a B+ in Calc I and II), then I’d say go to UT as a Psych major, then try to transfer into McCombs. If not, I wouldn’t bother going to UT.</p>

<p>I’m not that familiar with A&M or Mays, so I have no advice there.</p>

<p>I’m not sure if TCU is still doing this, but I knew some kids that were in the TCC honors program and they got a buttload of grant money when they applied to TCU. Actually, I think SMU is also pretty generous with giving grant money to CC kids. Just something to look into.</p>

3

<p>contact the schools you are considering and find out who recruits on campus & what percentage of students find jobs in MIS within 6 mos of graduating. Pay little attention to differences in starting salary; once you are in industry people will judge you by what you’ve done not where you went to school, and you’ll be soon be earning a salary commensurate with your skills or will switch to someone else willing to pay you that.</p>