I need advice deciding on a college

College Search & Selection
1

Hey everyone,

I am 23 years old from the US, and due to health issues, I was not able to go to college after high-school. The gap has been 5 years. Now, I need to back to school, but I am extremely stressed out because I didn’t know where to start. I addressed this in previous posts, and so I have made the decision to go to a community college and then transfer into a 4-year university through a articulation program/guaranteed transfer program. I want to major in finance or along the lines of finance in a strong undergraduate business school.

I looked into going to Virginia, and I liked Virginia as it offers guaranteed transfer admission to participating colleges, however, it does not guarantee admission into a specific major or major. For example, the University of Virginia has a guarantee transfer agreement with Virginia community colleges for student that maintain a few criteria. University of Virginia is committed to admitting qualified students from Virginia’s community colleges, and more than half of University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce’s incoming transfer students are historically from the Virginia Community College System (VCCS). However, there is no VCCS Guaranteed Transfer Agreement for the McIntire School of Commerce. In 2019, McIntire had 206 applications, and 34 were given offers, which is 16.5%

The College of William and Mary in Virginia is the same way, they have a guaranteed transfer admission, however, it does not guarantee admission into a specific school or major.

There are other colleges in Virginia that have the same guaranteed transfer admission program, and it maybe easier to get into their business program, however, they are not ranked as well.

Most colleges that offer a articulation agreements that give eligibility to transfer to their university/college, however, specific majors are not guaranteed and dependent upon strength of applicant pool, availability of seats, and other variables. But, although, some of these schools don’t give a guarantee to the specific major/program, it’s easy to get into.
University of Connecticut and University of Massachusetts-Amherst guarantee admission into their university and business program from community colleges in their locality. However, they aren’t as well ranked.

I am not sure what to do or how to go about making the right decision regarding this. I don’t want to transfer into a certain school and then risk not being able to attend their business school. But, on the other hand, if I do get in, it’s a risk worth taking. Schools like University of Connecticut or University of Massachusetts are a safe bet as they guarantee admission to their university and major.

What would be your advice for me, what should I do, how should I go about this, and do you happen to know of any college/universities/programs that I should look into?

Some Notes:

  1. Location: So, I am traveling outside the United States, so I don't really have a place. One of my parents lives in the US and another lives outside the country. So, for me location is not a constraint, and I am open to relocating, living, and studying anywhere in the United States.
  2. Finances: I do not have any financial constraints, I have the capability to afford the most expensive tuition. And, I do not need to work, and I do not have a family or other constraints.
  3. Interest: Ideally, I would like to be in business school and major in business related verticals such as finance, applied economics, international business, and etc. I am also interested in colleges that have options to obtain a double major or multiple minor.

I am stressed out and anxious about this. And, I desperately need help. You all have no idea how much I appreciate you reading this. I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Sincerely,

Jack

2

So … I replied to an earlier post of yours …

It might help if you untangle a few of the issues and just take them one at a time. These seem to be the issues–

  1. choosing a CC
  2. getting through an articulation agreement (AA) full credit for your CC courses and guaranteed placement in the undergrad B program of your choice
  3. getting into an undergrad B program
  4. getting into a top undergrad B program

Of these, Number 2 seems to be the one to throw out the window currently. That’s too complicating as there just aren’t that many AAs directly into undergrad B programs at high level schools. Or at the least, figure out your priority. Do I want to use an AA and guarantee my credit transfer? Or do I want to get into the “highest ranking” B program? If you uncouple that, it will relax your decision somewhat. You can transfer from CC into ANY COLLEGE that will have you. No AA is required. The AA helps you get the credits fully and it helps you understand sometimes what target colleges want you to have as prep before applying to the senior program (if the AA spells out classes). It’s extremely rare, IMHO that an AA will “guarantee” admission to a particular program. Cornell CALS is the possible exception at high-level institutions.

The second concern that is really the stressor and I believe unnecessarily so, is Number 4. Why stress out about a “high ranking” B program?? If you’re that concerned, about the rank of a school name, why not Columbia GS – econ major? CU is known for placing econ majors in finance jobs. Why not Harvard Extension?? It’s easy to get into – no CC required. You just start taking classes and shazam! You’re an adult and can deal with living and working more independently. Boston’s a nice place. They have Business Administration – https://www.extension.harvard.edu/undergraduate-fields-minors and it’s got the Harvard Alumni network – probably many in finance.

I don’t understand what UVA or William and Mary offer that other schools don’t., frankly but perhaps you have personal reasons for wanting to be in VA. It’s a nice place so why not? But it is somewhat limiting in terms of finding the educational path you seek.

If you were my child and I was attempting to help you with this choice, I would urge you to first look at Columbia GS, Harvard Extension. Alongside of that, look at CCs and see which are “good” --which have the level of education that you are striving for because AA or no, a good school will get you into a decent college or program somewhere. If you love a particular VA CC, then great. Just do that for now and get As in all of your classes. During that year or two of CC, explore the B school or top undergrad program in Econ (or whatever). You might find some hidden gems. One step at a time. One bridge at a time…Breathe.

3

^^^^^^ Absolutely on target.