How to Keep Freshman Status During Gap Year

Paying for College
9

<p>Hartwick’s CS department seems to be rather small and limited – no theory courses, hardware courses other than one about building PCs, compiler course, graphics course.
<a href=“http://www.hartwick.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/physical-and-life-sciences/cisc/computer-science-major”>http://www.hartwick.edu/academics/majors-and-minors/physical-and-life-sciences/cisc/computer-science-major&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>There is a 3+2 program with Columbia, but admission requires a 3.30 GPA with no math or science grade lower than a B (3.0). In addition, Columbia financial aid does not guarantee to meet need for 3+2 transfer students, or match the financial aid the student had at the “3” school.
<a href=“Combined Plan Applicants | Columbia Undergraduate Admissions”>http://undergrad.admissions.columbia.edu/apply/combined-plan&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>Is there a reason for choosing Hartwick over schools with better CS departments like some of the SUNYs?</p>

<p>In any case, taking college courses after high school graduation risks losing frosh status for admission. This can be disadvantageous if the student is looking for merit scholarships. Some schools are less generous with need-based financial aid to transfers as well.</p>