@landon2800 Far be it from me to visit my sensibilities on you, because you are the ultimate Decider. It sounds like you and your parents have a plan, which puts you ahead of many. And parents count, since they’re co-signing the papers and are on-the-hook for errors.
Baruch is such a unique experience that, based on your intended major, you’d be remiss to ignore it. It’s not for everyone, but it could be a great choice for you. Your parents know you better than anyone here, and they sound savvy. It depends on what you want out of college and whether you can envision yourself being successful there. If you can commute, that’ll save some money. From what I’ve seen, you have a shot, but a lot depends on all the other applicants. Control what you can control and polish off your assets.
I’m a fan of NJ colleges, so many choices. I don’t see what Syracuse and Penn State - even if you could get in - can offer you that a NJ college or Baruch can’t (if not better), other than Big Games. If you’d consider Seton Hall, I’d add Rider, which is a well-established finance/accounting school. This might not sound right to you or parents, but I’d also consider Rutgers-Camden as a fallback. They have a very good accounting/finance program. Campus isn’t bad, and improving.
Definitely visit Baruch, see if the feel is right for you, and envision your day/week there. The NJ schools should be your safety net.
@SpacemanEd@aspiringeng I’m ending junior year with a 3.06 … I’m really nervous that I won’t be able to get into the school I really want to, which is Baruch… I feel like my ec’s are more than enough for Baruch but my gpa falls short of their average of 3.3 . Even if I do get a 1290 + on the SAT I don’t know if I have a great chance. Please reassure me if i can get in or lay down the hard truth.
I’m not a math whiz, but let’s say, out of 100 students, 50 accepted applicants have a 3.8 and the “average” GPA is 3.3. That means 39 had a 3.0 and and 11 were in-between. Do your own calc, if it makes you feel better.
“Median” (half more, half less) is a better gauge. But there are so many variables (other applicants), it’s beyond your sole control. There’s another phenomenon - some outstanding HS students tank in college because they don’t handle freedom well. They’ve been driven to get A’s for A’s sake. Kierkegaard and others called it “angst” - freedom as dread. Others, average or slightly above average, thrive in college because they’ve developed a purpose beyond the grades. Take a basic philosophy primer if you can. For the past few thousand years, most of the questions have already been asked and the only definitive answers have been “I don’t know”. So, what we’re left with is “I believe”, which could be wrong. That’s why doctors and lawyers call it Practice.
Put yourself behind the Decider’s desk, three applications in front of you. There are two others with higher GPAs and test scores who have applied to several other colleges. Their interest seems lukewarm. But one of them has a parent who is an engaged, $-contributing alumnus. Another doesn’t. There’s you, who acts like he really wants to be there, can state the reasons “Why Baruch?” and “Why not elsewhere?” and you’ve met in person (with parents). Who gets in? Who has the edge? I’ll throw in a wild card: a 2.6 HS GPA with a Baruch building named after his father.
Control what you can control the best you can control it. SATs, diversity, ability to pay, residence, influence are more important than GPA (which varies in rigor between communities) these days. Be positive. College is a step on a path, not an End. Give it your best shot.
@SpacemanEd thank you once again for responding , I’m just very worried that a 3.08 gpa and possible 1300 SAT won’t get me in as their avg is a 3.3-3.4 . I’m also applying to Fordham as my dream school. From what I’ve heard, Cuny Baruch is less selective than the NJ colleges that I’m applying to. In this case, would this college be a match? Or a low reach ? I would have to apply through CUNY and my extracurriculars may get me in . I need reasssurance that I can get into this school .
Why rely on hearsay, when the acceptance rate for all the schools are readily available. If we are using acceptance rate as a measure of selectivity, CUNY-Baruch is the most selective of all the schools listed in the OP or mentioned as alternatives. Baruch acceptance rate varies from a low of 23% (2010) to a high of about 32% (2016). It is the most selective of all the CUNY 4-year colleges.
Baruch College is the largest business school in the US and have an excellent Accounting/Finance program. It is a very popular destination for NYC high school students, so by no means is acceptance a slam dunk for the OP. One issue I have seen mentioned often, is that the large Asian population (> 40%) might be a turn off for some prospective students.
@Jamrock411 I guess it helps me since I’m Asian , but do you think I can get , from what you’ve seen as in my EC’s and possible SAT score of a 1300 ? I am going as a General Freshmen and not a Macaulay applicant