East Asian Studies - UVa, American U, vs. George Mason

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I'm currently a freshman at a four-year university in Virginia. It's not tier 1 at all and not ranked as far as I know in major rankings. I'm absolutely miserable here, and I want to transfer.</p>

<p>I intend on majoring in East Asian Studies and possibly minor or double major with International Business. I'm looking at UVa, AU, & GMU. AU & GMU do not have an East Asian Studies program, but they do have International Studies, in which I can concentrate on Asian regions, and I'm (slightly) willing to sacrifice the EAS major for Int'l if it means I get a better college experience.</p>

<p>My problem is that I've been accepted for Spring transfer for AU already, but I am deferring it to Fall 2011 because I received my acceptance packet January 6, 2011, and the spring semester starts in January 10, 2011. To defer my acceptance, I will have to pay a $400 deposit fee (+$200 for a housing deposit fee, I think).</p>

<p>I'm thinking of applying for UVa & GMU anyway for Fall 2011. Is it worth it? I've heard horror stories about elitism in AU, and I'm from a middle class family, and the tuition fee's definitely making me doubt about going there, but the DC area will give me so many employment opportunities with a major like mine.</p>

<p>High School Stats:
International Baccalaureate Diploma Graduate
3.43 GPA (weighted)
104/400-something students
SAT: 1860
SAT Subj.: Bio M (620), Literature (540), Math Lvl 2 (570)
AP: Gov't (3), European History (4), Art History (4), Computer Science (1 - The CS teacher in my school never taught as anything. Just sat us in front of the computer and expected us to know code right off.)
IB: Eng A1 HL (4), Hist. of Europe HL (5), Bio HL (3), French B SL (5), Chem SL (4), Math SL II (5)</p>

<p>Current College Stats:
Honors Student
4.0 GPA</p>

<p>Are there other schools I should look at? By the way, I'm a Virginian resident.</p>

2

<p>Here’s some strong schools for East Asian Studies:</p>

<p>UChicago
Columbia University
UMich-Ann Arbor
Oberlin College (My alma mater)
Macalester College
Many UC schools (Esp. Berkeley and UCLA)
University of Washington-Seattle</p>

<p>There are perhaps, many more. What language/nation do you want to focus on? Also, are you female?</p>

<p>Judging by UVA’s website…if you can get in as a state-resident…I think you’re much better off going there than AU. Their EAS program seems to be reasonably comprehensive for the undergrad level.</p>

3

<p>I want to focus on China, and yes, I’m a female.</p>

<p>Based on my stats, I don’t think I can make it to a real Ivy League. As for UCs, I’ve also considered them, but UCs do not accept transfer until the applicant’s a junior, and I want to get out of my current university ASAP, so I’m looking for transfer for Fall 2011.</p>

<p>I agree how UVa’s EAS program seems better, but opportunities in AU for internships seem better. If I go to GMU, I feel like I’ll get a little of the best of both worlds since it’s near DC but still affordable as it is in state. However, again, it has no EAS program. =/</p>

<p>I suppose I should suck it up and pay the $400 deposit for AU then as a safety? I don’t know how likely I would be accepted for UVa as a transfer with my stats either. I’m just scared I’ll get stuck at my current university.</p>

<p>Also, I should mention that I’m Filipino in case that helps my stats or anything…</p>

4

<p>If you’re female, I’d also recommend applying to:</p>

<p>Barnard
Wellesley
Smith
Mt. Holyoke</p>

5

<p>For my money, I’d skip the private expensive schools and stick with the in-state tuition of UVA or George Mason. Honestly, you cannot beat the value of either of these schools. George Mason is THE BEST value for college in the DC area for global affairs with a Chinese minor, and UVA is awesome for Asian studies and in-state ivy. Seriously, save your money for grad school!</p>

6

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<p>Skipping applying to private schools would be terrible advice IME. Especially if your family’s financial situation is such that they may be eligible for need-based FA, merit scholarships, or both. </p>

<p>Depending on the private schools…including many I listed, you may end up paying less to go there than to your state institutions with need-based FA and/or college scholarships depending on your family’s financial situation. If you can get into one of the Ivies, you may end up getting generous need-based FA due to their generous parameters. </p>

<p>Personally, I ended up paying less to go to Oberlin than my local state and city schools because of the near-full ride scholarship I received from them. Ended up graduating practically debt free as the tiny loan I took out was paid off within a year of graduation. </p>

<p>Granted, your state has UVA so you should definitely consider the value of UVA…especially considering it has reputation far beyond its region. </p>

<p>Other than UVA, I’d carefully weigh cost vs quality of education(strength of department(s)/programs, reputation and its range, etc.).</p>

<p>In short, apply to your in-state and private institutions and weigh your decisions once your receive your acceptances and approved FA/scholarship packages.</p>

7

<p>UVA has strong offerings in East Asian Studies, with relevant offerings in the art, religion, and politics departments to supplement the regular courses in the EAS department. It seems especially strong in Buddhism and in Tibetan studies.</p>

8

<p>If you can get some serious FA or merit scholarships, then and only then would I consider an out of state private institution. But, if this is a concern, which it may be as you are a transfer student, rather than graduate with a lot of debt I would stay in-state and really consider George Mason or UVA. Just my 2 cents. Virginia gives a lot of need-based aid, and its worth it to try and get it if you can get into UVA, George Mason, or William and Mary. Also, consider the fact that if you transfer into an out-of-state private institution you will most likely lose most/all of your prior credits elongating your time in school and expense. Plus, with an International studies/Asian Studies major, grad school is probably in your future. You don’t want to be in a bad economic situation upon graduation wanting to go to grad school. Cobrat, I am not disagreeing with you at all…just considering this from all economic angles.</p>