Need help choosing a school to transfer to (Geology Major)

<p>I went to the UofMiami out of high school, but hated it, so I came back to my home state (NJ) to get an AS at a CC, which I've now completed. I'm looking to continue my education now at a four-year school.</p>

<p>I've already applied to a few schools, but I feel that my judgment has been clouded by reputations (where my friends and family are going/say is good) and the media (sports and things in the news) to the point where I'm having an extremely difficult time objectively selecting a good school.</p>

<p>As I mentioned in the thread's title, I am planning on studying geology. I am really interested in the field as a whole from environmental to oil to earthquakes and volcanos, so I think a school with an overall solid Geology program would be best.</p>

<p>Between UM and my CC, my GPA is probably around 3.5 with 80-90 credits, the majority of which were in the basic sciences (Geology, Bio 1/2, Chem 1/2, Physics 1/2, Calc 1/2, etc).</p>

<p>I'm currently a resident of New Jersey and I've applied to Rutgers as a "backup" of sorts, but being close and the price aren't really deciding factors for me. More importantly, I'd prefer an urban environment with warmer weather... but suburban and mild is fine. I just don't want to be in Maine or Wisconsin or somewhere like that. I will be living on campus wherever I go, as there are no schools within commuting distance that I would consider. "Commuter schools" would be OK as I don't really party or anything.</p>

<p>I think that's about all. Your help is appreciated! If you need any more info, let me know!</p>

<p>I've already applied to:
UOregon (Accepted)
UArizona (Processing)
UHawaii (Processing)
Rutgers U (Processing)</p>

<p>I also wanted to make a mention that any recommendations have to have a transfer deadline that hasn’t passed yet… I realize that that eliminates probably 1/2-3/4 of the schools out there =(</p>

<p>Bump???</p>

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How will you pay for an OOS school? You are only eligible for Stafford loans of $7500/year.</p>

<p>I was lucky enough to have received full tuition from a parent’s employer</p>