Hi,
I’m a junior currently with a 4.3 GPA and a decent set of AP classes and honors credentials. I’m in-state for UVA, but my parents are suggesting I attend a local community college then switch in. My probable major is going to be astronomy/physics. I had thought about attending university in the U.K. at University of Manchester, but I don’t know if the transfer program might be a better option. Has anyone transferred and what have your experiences been?
If you have the stats for UVA, W&M, Virginia Tech, etc., there is no reason not to apply as a freshman applicant.
If you’re interested in pursuing a PhD in physics or astronomy, keep in mind that research experience is incredibly important; the more you have, the better your chances. If you transfer from a CC to UVA, it’s likely you’ll only have about one year of research experience under your belt by senior year. Additionally, you won’t have much time to form meaningful relationships with faculty members at UVA, which results in weaker recommendation letters.
It is important for you to talkwith your parents about how they expect you to pay for your education. Can they help some, a lot, not at all. Look for the Net Price Calculator at the UVA website, and help your parents run their numbers through it. That will give then a good idea of what it is likely to cost. Every college and university in the US has an NPC, so you can get good financial estimates for any that you are interested in.
If the truth is that the CC then transfer idea is because your parents can’t help much with the cost of college, go soend some time in the Financial Aid Forum, and read up on places that could work for you.
Agreed that you should ask your parents on reasons for that suggestion. If it is money, it may make sense to attend community college first, although you should know that many schools good financial aid and merit scholarships are only given to freshman applicants, so see what schools you might be able to qualify.