<p>I am 19 years old and currently live in Houston, TX (have been since I was 12.) Anyway, life here is fine, but I'm a Jersey girl at heart. I grew up there and most of my family lives there.</p>
<p>I am about to graduate with an Associates Degree (general studies) this Spring semester at San Jac community college. So, here is my chance to make a change and go somewhere else. I currently want to major in elementary education whereever I transfer to.</p>
<p>Since this is my opportunity to finally try something new I am really scared I am going to make the wrong decision. I want to experience college life, therefore I think it would be best if I didn't attend a college that is mostly a commuter college.</p>
<p>I have currently applied (and have been accepted to) Rowan University in NJ and have applied to (still waiting for a decision) Richard Stockton College in NJ. From what I've read about it, Rowan doesn't seen so bad, but I still don't know. Does anyone have any opinions on these colleges or other good universities in or around NJ? </p>
<p>Cost is an issue as well (I would most likely need financial aid where ever I go) and time is running out for application deadlines! So, please respond asap! </p>
<p>my other option of course is to take the safe route and go to university of houston or sam houston university.....</p>
<p>If you have the grades for it, I would highly recommend TCNJ as world changer suggested above. I have no idea how difficult it would be for OOS students to transfer in though.They really are at the top in terms of public universities alongside Rutgers in my opinion.</p>
<p>Thanks guys!! ya, I guess it is too late to apply to TCNJ. I now have applied to Rowan, Stockton, Monmouth, & Rutgers. Once I know if I have gotten into these hopefully I can figure out which one I want. Unfortunantly though, If I get into Monmouth it'll probably be alittle too expensive for me. <--my decision will also be based on how much Financial aid these colleges will offer me.</p>
<p>Hmmm, I'm not sure when their deadline is but have you thought about Rider? My mom got her masters degree from there and has mostly good things to say I think. I believe it's in Lawrenceville. I lived about a half hour from Rider for the first 11 years of my life, but like you, I've been here in the heartland ever since (I'm in Oklahoma).</p>
<p>Rowan is a really good school! My brother, Girlfriend, and Sister in law all graduated from there in the last few years. I applied there for Engineering myself. I'd really look into it. It's a small school, you will have small classes of no more than 30 students, a brand new education, science and engineering buildings... plus south jersey is better than north jersey!</p>
<p>Anyway being a resident about 15 minutes away its amazing how much the University has grown over the past decade with new additions and buildings etc.</p>
<p>Keep in mind as well, Rowan was first an education school before anything else wayyyy back before it was known as Rowan. Its still the most popular major, both my brother and sister and law are graduates of the music education program. Like i said the education building is only two years old at most. It's a big major and a big focus at the school. Almost anyone who went for education in the area goes to Rowan that i know.</p>
<p>you should also try ramapo.. i live in jersey and its been becoming moer popular in the last couple of years. id say its definetly less of a commuter school than montclair. i dont know much about rowan however. rider and monmouth are both private and would be a little more pricey. ive personally not heard too many good things about rider from the people who have gone there.</p>
<p>it is too late for TCNJ, but in my opinion it is the best state school in jersey. rutgers of course is wonderful too. but depending on waht kind of person you are, it might not be for you. ramapos in north jersey, not too far from the city so theres always somethign to do within a reasonable distance.</p>