<p>I am currently a sophomore, going into my spring semester at Virginia Tech. I currently pay 30,000 for OOS tuition and I've had to take out several loans to pay for this. I'm hoping to stay there and not transfer home to Delaware. To do this, I was hoping to qualify for the in-state tuition provided by the Academic Common Market. I'm currently a University Studies major (Undeclared) but was recently accepted into the Communication program. However, the majors listed for ACM are Forestry and Wood Science. Should I switch into one of these majors to get in-state? The process is simple, as I would just need to have my dean sign a change-of-major form. Would I still be able to major in Communication and take Communication classes? How many Forestry or Wood Science classes would be expected of me to take in the spring? Would I be able to continue this for the next two years or would they notice that I am not making improvement toward my Forestry degree (as I don't plan on graduating with a Forestry degree).</p>
<p>I know this is very daring and risky - but I need help - I'm desperate! Should I officially change into the Communication major and hope that I can double major? Or should I hold off the Communication major change (yet still take some comm classes) and be an official Forestry major?</p>
<p>Also - how long takes it take for the ACM application to be official - for Virginia Tech to be notified that I would be paying in-state? Would they charge my OOS until the day that ACM sent them the official letter?</p>
<p>Yes, they would notice that you are not making progress towards a forestry degree. You’d likely be required to take specific classes each semester. You could ask if they’d allow you to have a communications minor.</p>
<p>Your advisor or the specific dept at VT would be the best people to answer these questions.</p>
<p>Here are the rules for ACM eligibility at VT:</p>
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<p>The rules seem pretty clear. The purpose of the ACM is to provide for students whose home state schools do not offer their particular major. It is NOT to give students a general opportunity to attend an OOS college for a reduced cost. If you want to qualify for the reduced tuition, you need to be pursuing one of the eligible majors – and planning to graduate with that degree – rather than trying to scam the system. </p>
<p>As for a potential double major of communications and forestry, you would likely have to spend more than 4 years to get your undergraduate degree, as I suspect there is very little overlap in required classes. That would almost certainly negate any of our potential “savings” in reduced tuition.</p>
<p>But your first step should really be a discussion with your DE state coordinator:</p>
<p>Cynthia Kirkpatrick, Delaware Higher Education; 820 N. French Street; Wilmington, DE 19801; Phone: (302) 577-3240; Fax: (302) 577-6765; E-mail: <a href="mailto:ckirkpatrick@doe.k12.de.us">ckirkpatrick@doe.k12.de.us</a></p>
<p>I feel kind of ignorant for not knowing exactly what “Forestry” or “Communications” majors would study. </p>
<p>As the above; if you ever find yourself lying or cheating to do something, you probably should reconsider if it’s really worth it. In-state rates are nice and all, but you can get those without doing anything ethical and majoring in what you love… at your in-state public universities. They will catch you – probably during the certification process with the ACM coordinator – unless you are planning to graduate with a major covered by the program.</p>