Hello, I’m new to this and would be grateful for any feedback.
Currently I’m a HS Jr (NJ Resident) and I’m really focusing on college searches, I’m probably taking my SATs around June.
I’m an above average students and last time i checked my gpa was a 90/100 (I haven’t checked what it equals to on a 4.0 scale). My plans are to major in computer science and/or Information technology since I’m interested in cyber security and fields related to that. So far i visited NJIT , it was okay for my first visit. Since then I have complied a list of schools that i would like to attend. I would just really want to stay somewhat close to jersey, east coast basically.
If anyone has any feedback, experiences with the following schools, what schools to take out or just tell me of additional schools I should check out it would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thank you in advance.
Well im a jr right now and my school doesn’t give out class ranks until probably beginning of senior year , as for SATs/ACTs my guidance counselor suggested taking them in the spring for the first time. Dealing with cost, nothing over the top like USC or Stanford so maybe like around 20-25kish
In Jersey, there are a lot of options. I don’t know if they offer your major or concentration but there’s also Stockton, TCNJ, Rider, Rowan, Ramapo, and Georgian Court.
Did you take the PSAT? What was your score and overall breakdown?
In Mass, I personally know a guy who’s going to WPI, Worcester Polytechnic Institute. It’s supposed to be very good…kinda like a RPI in Massachusetts. I don’t know the cost but that’s an option.
I havent gotten back my PSAT scores this year, i only have the one from 10th grade in which I got CR 49, MATH 48, Writing skills 39…Pretty crappy, but I’m positive I improved Junior year
Okay if you haven’t talked to your guidance counselor before about getting your scores, you might want to bring it up again. I can’t imagine why your scores have been delayed this long. Also you were talking about costs and not wanting to go overboard. NYU is a top, expensive school that, I don’t think, gives out the best financial aid. Did you think about going to Pennsylvania or somewhere in a direction like that? (Maryland, Delaware etc.)
Yea, PA, Maryland, DC, Delaware are definitely open as possible locations. Ive looked at Penn State for instance and liked their program but the campus is just so huge.
Understandable. University of Delaware might have something you’re interested in and may be smaller. Same goes for University of Maryland but the only problem with that is that they’re state schools. For OOS people like you, the price tag will be higher like 35k and up. It’s not always worth it. I would Google smaller private schools that offer your major. There are plenty of sites that have search engines able to narrow choices down by major, location, size and price range.
You need to find out the total that your parents can/will pay. You will have fixed costs of Tuition/fees and room/board. Add books, personal and transportation. The colleges usually list a COA on the website. You can even make a spreadsheet of the various costs per college you are looking at. You can also run Net Price Calculators on each college website to see what aid you might get based on family income.
Your test scores might be a problem. It is a rule of thumb that your M+CR increases 100 pts ‘naturally’ each year. If you were only at 970 in 10th, you might be up to 1170 next spring, maybe. Your scores will greatly influence where you can go and if you can get any money beyond need aid. You can look the average accepted student scores at each school (collegedata.com makes this easy) to see if you are in reach. So you have time to embark on a prep plan. Visit the SAT-preparation forum for tips.
I noticed your interest in cyber security. Although you are looking to stay close to NJ on the east coast, you should really look into the programs offered by Carnegie Mellon’s CyLab (cylab.cmu.edu) and Virginia Tech’s Hume Center for National Security and Technology (hume.vt.edu). Both have fascinating programs and offer internships with major companies, Tech includes national security agencies. You will need to get your scores up.
thank you. At this point my best shot looks like NJIT and rutgers because of the price, proximity, and programs, i may even throw Stevens in the mix as well
You might also look at Rowan. Sometimes decent aid, and up-and-coming. Keep the Hume center in mind if you plan on going for a graduate degree and are still interested in cyber security. They are located in Arlington, VA.