College Help :/

College Search & Selection
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<p>I've been browsing College Confidential for quite some time, and have finally created an account. Sorry for asking a question before helping others, but once I get more info I'll be able to help others out too :D</p>

<p>I recently graduated high school. The college I wanted to go to was Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) for Aerospace Engineering. I ended up getting wait listed there, and I went with my backup as University of California - RiversideUCR for mechanical Engineering. I recently did my Orientation and what not (send in transcripts, AP scores, register for classes). I accepted my grant money (cal grant A and pell grant), but it also said it was subject to change. They might have billed my account, I'm not sure if it went through yet or not (does this matter, school doesn't start until late September for both schools). I still hadn't heard from CPP at the time. Yesterday, I got an e-mail from CPP saying I got accepted into their Aerospace Engineering program. My cousin went to CPP, and now my brother is going to go there as a transfer this year too. While thinking that I was going to UCR, I decided to get my BS in Mechanical Engineering there and then transferring to get my masters in Aerospace (PhD is more for teaching, correct? I'm not really into teaching, but correct me if I'm wrong! :D ). I know one of my cousin's husbands works for a company that builds landing gears for aircraft and they only hire mechanical engineers, this was one driving force to my decision. So, should I go to CPP or UCR? I can probably switch to Mech Eng at CPP too. Is it too late for me to switch? Should I just focus on Aerospace, or would a B.S. in Mech Eng be very useful? Could I do my Masters in Aerospace and then easily get my Bachelors in Mech Eng since I already completed most of the courses. Any advice is greatly appreciated, and sorry for the long post, this is just really frustrating me and it happened all of a sudden with such a short time to think about things. Thanks!</p>

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<p>Since you’re a Pell Student, you REALLY need to go to a UC. </p>

<p>The CSUs and Cal Polys do not give the aid that UCR will give you.</p>

<p>Besides, at this late in the game, Cal Poly has likely run out of certain aid…like work study, SEOG, and Perkins loans. You wouldn’t likely get your need met.</p>

<p>With UCR, you qualify for Blue and Gold (not available for CSUs or Cal Polys). </p>

<p>What is the breakdown of your UCR aid pkg?</p>

<p>Personally, I think a MechE degree is more marketable.</p>

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<p>Yea… a frustrating situation. But it’s not unheard of, and you still have some time. I guess I would recommend really thinking hard what you like/dislike about each school. Which seems a better fit - academically and “vibe”-wise? Call the FA office at UCR to discuss the ramifications of withdrawing and heading to CPP. Call CPP and find out about available FA there. Would getting housing, at this late date, be an issue at CPP? </p>

<p>It will be a lot easier to make a decision once you have some specifics. Don’t focus on a specific major too much since you may still change your mind once you take a few classes. And don’t be afraid to call both schools for details. Every year, lots of kids find themselves in the same predicament, and surely both schools will be able to advise you.</p>

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<p>Thanks for the replies, I’ll see how much Financial Aid I’ll end up receiving at each school.</p>