<p>Jolynne, is there someone at Rutgers or UT admissions where he could ask this question? Their responses/reactions would be the most meaningful to your situation. My understanding is that their are certain “feeder” schools that universities like more than others, at least in our area. </p>
<p>Your son should just keep in mind that just as there is an element of uncertainty about the initial admissions process–grades and test scores are just part of the equation–there will be the same element of uncertainty for a transfer application. Banking on the transfer is (1) risky, and (2) may make it harder for him to really enjoy his first year or two.</p>
<p>As for the prestige thing, we faced a somewhat similar dilemma. As you know, our son will be going to WVU next year, which ranks well below UAL in the eyes of cc from what I can tell and if you hang out on cc long enough that bias/collective wisdom does leave a pit in one’s stomach sometimes. However, in our case we had no choice. S2 was adamant that was where he was going, wouldn’t apply anywhere else, end of discussion. Like your son, he has picked a difficult major so clearly doesn’t plan to major in beer drinking and couch burning, but the social aspects of the school (i.e. football and basketball) were an important consideration for him. It will only cost us $2,000/year in tuition, so it does make it easier to like, in my mind.</p>