<p>I have been reading the forums for a while, learning much about different schools and the people that are applying. I wanted to finally put up a post and see what others think of my situation. I am currently active duty, but will retire in June of next year. It is my plan to go to school 'full time' in pursuit of an Undergrad Engineering Degree. I recently earned a BS in Org Management with honors from a good private school; I have attended school whenever and whereever I could throughout my 23 years of service, but have never been in a position to take any of the upper level undergraduate courses required to finish a very technical degree. I have been a math/cs major years ago at a 4 year, and completed many programming and math/physics classes. All total I have near 180 hours with a GPA of 3.85. I am currently taking general chemistry I at a CC, so that I may have what I need to transfer to a 4 year for the fall 2011 when I retire.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Am I completely off base in trying to transfer to a big school like UT Austin / TAMU? Both schools offer second degree addmissions, but on a case by case basis. I believe I have a good life story and will offer diversity to the schools, but I am trying to see myself from the schools point of view.</p></li>
<li><p>It seems that some of the private schools I am looking at are primarily geard toward the younger student, would my age be a detractor? I know that admissions cannot discriminate based on age, but some of the applications seem that they do just that -look for younger students. This could be because there are not that many students that are my age and attempting yet another careeer change, but am I crazy for even thinking that I may be a viable candidate for a seat?</p></li>
<li><p>Since I do have the post 9-11 GI bill, will this be in my favor since I really am not asking for any financial aid? I see that most schools claim to admit on a "need-blind" basis, but really.... money makes the world go round right? Realistically I would not be pulling from the financial aid pool of funds that other students may use. Wouldn't this help my chances of acceptance as well?</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you for any advice you may give. I am really looking to move back to Texas upon retiring so am interested in Texas schools. </p>
<p>IMO UT-Austin is not a school I would put on my list. I am not saying its not a good school because it is very strong for engineering. What I am saying is that the Engineering program is quality by attrition. If thats for you then more power to you. A&M from those I know that go there would be a good choice. What about Rice? Great school and the yellow ribbion program pays for you to go there. Most schools are looking for you they just have to cater to those who make up 95+% of their student body hence the apps and everything are geared toward that. As far as financial aid goes it is a bigger deal for Texas publics as they are going through some tough budget cuts. Private schools generally could care less. If you would be interested in schools outside of Texas I can name quite a few that would be worth your while. Oh and lastly you will probably get into any school in Texas you app to but will have to do 2 years there to graduate.</p>
<p>Thanks for the very useful information and the vote of confidence. I am seriously interested in UT, but mostly because I was/am sold on the location for my wife to work and the public education in the area for my daughter age 10. I have thought about Rice as well, but 1. thought that it was not a true “engineering” school and 2. doubted my chances of getting in due to ultra-selectivity 3. yellow ribbon only pays for graduate engineering at Rice (although currently post 9-11 pays enough in state to cover tuition i am told).
I am interested lately at CSM as I have family in Denver. Last summer Colorado passed a law that permits active duty military, receiving an honorable discharge, instate tuition rates if they move to Colorado. From what I have have read Mines is an excellent school.<br>
Please do recommend other schools that would work well for me. I am ready for and understand that I will need a full two years, possibly longer to complete the degree reqs.</p>
<p>I would recomend Rose-Hulman to anyone who wants a solid engineering education. I know first hand that the YRP covers the full cost of attendence + a bit. But you would have to move to Terre Haute, IN. As far as Austin goes it’s a nice place to live but is has some downsides like the summer heat, extreme liberalism (if thats a downside for you), and no idea of what mexican food is (its all tex-mex or in the case of Hula-Hut not-quite-sure-but-I-think-this-is-hawiian-mex). Austin is great for outdoor activities and has a strong education system for those that can afford Westlake (Read 150K+/year). Best of luck to you in your search. Oh and lastly Mines is a solid school as well.</p>
<p>I appreciate your insight. Really don’t care where we end up … to a degree. A great education is what I am after. I have lived in South Texas so I know how Texas heat can be. Living in SoCal the past 3 years has me spoiled!</p>