<p>Hi guys. Sorry if this is the wrong place to ask, but I could use some advice.</p>
<p>I'm starting my senior year of high school. I've currently got a 2.8 GPA. Not great, I know. I screwed up as far as academics go but this year I've got a 4.0. Anyways, I figure since I'm now a senior I need to start thinking about college. The thing is, I've got no idea where to go, what schools will accept me and what schools won't, what school would fit me best, you know? I currently live in a dinky town called North Pole (yes, that's what it's called...) in Alaska. I want to major in some computer related field-preferably with a network security focus. I figure since this board is full of college students, you could answer some of my questions:</p>
<p>-Would you recommend computer science as a major?
-What areas of the country would you recommend for someone in my position?
-Would you recommend a community college, or University?
-I taught myself how to code at 12 in python, and taught myself C++ at 14...Is this a potential advantage for me as far as my application goes? Are there any computing-related scholarships?</p>
<p>I'm a little overwhelmed with how fast life is going right now. It won't be long before I have graduated. Really, I just want out of Alaska and into a place where I can start my life, and career. </p>
<p>If that’s the case why don’t you go to CC for two years and pick a place to follow up somewhere else? Otherwise you’ll get through two years and have to transfer back in-state.</p>
<p>I second the cc choice Erin’s Dad suggested. Since you obviously have a talent for programming, I definitely recommend computer science. There will be jobs for you. I know there is a lot of outsourcing going on in this field, but U.S. companies still want people at home to do some of the work and there is a shortage of comp sci students in America. So you have a good major in mind, now where to study? Could you remain local for two years? It would take care of the low gpa problem. I do think colleges will want you because of your early programming prowess and your exotic homeland (although it probably doesn’t feel that way to you!). Out of curiosity, have you taken the SAT or the ACT?</p>
<p>You sound so articulate and focused for someone who just now, in their senior year, decided to think about college. Hmmm…is this a parent that actually wrote this? Lol. Either way, good luck and hope you escape Alaska! :)</p>
<p>I third the CC suggestion. Is there one nearby? Could you conceivably move to Anchorage (I assume there’s one there)? Try a CC for two years. If you get great grades there, and continue to develop your computer science skills, that would go a long way to offset the negative impact of your low GPA at the beginning of high school. There are also probably people at the CC who can help advise you about which colleges you could realistically transfer to. </p>
<p>So step #1 for you seems to be finding a CC that works for you, finances and location-wise. Then get awesome grades at that CC, and I think you’ll be well on your way to a degree from a great traditional college/university and a career!</p>
<p>For other four year schools, try searching for “transfer credit” on their web sites. Some schools have listings for other colleges across the US, while others have them only for in-state community colleges.</p>
<p>For majoring in computer science, some of the typical freshman and sophomore math courses are commonly offered in community colleges, but it may be more difficult to find equivalents for the four year schools’ introductory computer science and electronics courses at many community colleges.</p>
<p>I guess I haven’t really thought about transferring to a university from a CC, but I’ll definitely take it into consideration as it is a great idea. </p>
<p>To mspearl: haha, I have though about college many times before, it’s just that I haven’t made any concrete decisions yet. And no, I’m not a parent. I’ll actually be the first person in my family to go to college!</p>
<p>You could probably go to a fourth tier university if you applied right now but like the others said if you go to cc and be a top student over there you could easily transfer to a first tier after two years.</p>
<p>Btw computer science and software engineering are in such high demand. In fact the reason these jobs are being outsourced are due to a lack of workers in US.</p>
<p>You should be checking out WUE (Western University Exchange) colleges in other western states, tuition is usually about 1.5 times in-state cost:</p>
<p>Note: just because a school is listed as participating, doesn’t mean they take students from all states and/or for all majors. For some schools being admitted as a WUE student is competitive, while for others it is not. If you see a college you’re interested in, go to their website and check to see what their WUE agreement is with AK.</p>
I’ll actually be the first person in my family to go to college!</p>