<p>I made a similar post in careers but this is more transfer-oriented.
So I'm currently a sophomore at Brandeis, planning on majoring in Math. Now, they only offer a B.A. or a B.A. with Honors here, and recently the question came up between my mom and I, as to whether I should transfer somewhere for a B.S. So the first main question I have, is how does a B.A. from a top ~35 university compare to a B.S. from state school/similar school/Ivy?
One thing on my mind, is that I could get the B.A. in 3 years and be done, but if I transfer, I imagine I'll need the full four years, especially if I consider taking on another major.
In terms of my numbers:
College GPA:3.585
HS GPA: 4.1
ACT: 34
SAT: 2240(1490), 800 in math II, 630 in Physics
I'm not really thinking about applying to reaches, because I'm not too thrilled with the financial burden that it will result in, but I'm wondering if I can expect any kind of academic scholarships from schools like Binghamton or Rutgers with my stats?
Another question, how heavily is the fact that I'm coming from a relatively high-ranking school going to help me when I transfer since my GPA isn't a 3.75+ (I had a C+ 1st sem. a B- 2nd sem., straight A's 3rd sem.)?
Thanks</p>
<p>I think it depends on what you want to do with your degree. Are you going to go to grad school? What kind of career do you want? Personally, I prefer B.S. over B.A. but it depends on your goals. I also wouldn’t necessarily let the time spent getting your degree factor into your decision. You need to make the best decision for the long run, not because you get out a year early. If it turns out that the BA is the best choice and you get out a year early then great.</p>
<p>I don’t know Bing and Rutger’s policies towards transfer merit aid but from what I’ve seen publics are less likely to give merit aid to transfers than privates. I would research the transfer FA at some private schools too.</p>
<p>You’re right, I forgot to specify. I am not planning to get any more schooling after undergrad. I am thinking about what kind of (lucrative) careers I can get into with just the undergrad such as actuary/finance/???. So I’m just not sure if B.A. from Brandeis would cut it, or if a B.S. from Bing/Rutgers would definitely be preferred.</p>
<p>Bump. I really would appreciate other’s opinions.</p>
<p>Brandeis is a premier, brand name school with a killer math department, illustious alumni and an effective network for gaining post-graduation employment. Not sure what you can do in math without a graduate degree, but I would bet you’d be far more employable coming out of Brandeis than average state u. The distinction between BA and BS degree is lost on me. Perhaps you should consult the Brandeis career center.</p>
<p>I think a BA from brandeis might actually look better than a BS from bing or rutgers, honestly.</p>
<p>That’s what it really comes down to, I think. Whether or not a BA from Brandeis is in fact “better” than BS from a state level school, especially since I’m not really considering moving up.</p>