Stay at Stockton College or Transfer to Rutgers?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I recently transferred from Brookdale Community College to Richard Stockton College of NJ. As a science major, I'm wondering if going to Rutgers instead would have been the better option. </p>

<p>My current situation right now is I pay roughly 2 grand towards my tuition (NJ Stars+Phi Theta Kappa+other random crap), and if I were to transfer anywhere else within NJ I would see similar financial aid. I wouldn't be able to transfer until at least Fall 2012, as I signed a lease for an apartment in South Jersey lasting till July. My GPA from CC was a 3.96, and I'm set to start off with a 4.0 at Stockton for my first semester. </p>

<p>As of right now I'm a Biochem major and I'm planning on declaring a Math minor by next semester. If I were to transfer, I could potentially get into a Biomed Engineering program though I would probably be unable to obtain such a high GPA compared to what I'll be able to get at Stockton. My goal is to obtain an internship position at <insert big="" pharmaceutical="" company="" here="">, and later securing a job there. As for obtaining a masters I would certainly be doing that at Rutgers, but I want to be able to establish myself first before going for it.</insert></p>

<p>What do you guys think?</p>

2

<p>First, why do you want to transfer? Are you making judgments too soon? The grass is not always greener. I am not a fan of transfers. There are exceptions, however. </p>

<p>GPA matters for internships. Prestige sometimes matters.</p>

3

<p>If you transfer, and switch majors, it will likely take you longer to graduate.</p>

<p>What college you are at has a HUGE impact on internships, because companies recruit for interns at only a few colleges. </p>

<p>I think a Rutgers degree would open up more career doors than a Stockton degree would. But it would probably be harder to maintain such a high GPA at Rutgers, especially in an engineering major.</p>

4

<p>Graduated from a NJ high school a few years ago, know the schools pretty well. I’d say Transfer personally. Rutgers is known in the area as a more quality school (at least in the perspective of where I grew up) and if you are concerned about internships…Stockton isn’t exactly in the middle of a bustling area and there would be more opportunities close by. The stars program will at least get you good aid in NJ, but keep in mind the cost of living if you are going to rent is also going to go up if you transfer.</p>

5

<p>Thanks for the advice everyone. To clear some things up:</p>

<p>I’m looking to transfer purely because I think I would have a much better shot getting an internship if i went to rutgers despite the potential drop in my gpa. I almost feel I may have no shot being at stockton going for an internship with merck, johnson&johnson, or any other big pharmaceutical company. Or really any ‘big’ internship for that matter. I don’t mind the school, its just a tad underdeveloped which I don’t mind. I just feel its going to really hurt my chances in the future.</p>

<p>I’m originally from the freehold area so if it came down to it, i could transfer and commute to rutgers NB while living with the rents (though I certainly wouldn’t enjoy that :P). The reason I chose stockton over rutgers and tcnj originally was due to its small size and the fact I wanted to get away, far away. But if I’m at such a disadvantage here as I’m beginning to think, I’m willing to suck it up and just commute to rutgers next year.</p>

6

<p>Well, frankly, you need to do more research on this than asking on this board. Well meaning people respond, but its all opinion. Go to your faculty advisor at Richard Stockton College. Ask the question point blank. Go to professors and ask them how they can help you get an internship. </p>

<p>It doesnt sound like you are unhappy there and its fulfilling an inner need to be away from home at a small college. </p>

<p>I know a LOT of people from second and third tier schools with internships. Also, some have risen to high ranking jobs in government and business. Its what you DO with the knowledge you gain, not necessarily where it comes from.</p>

<p>Prestige counts. But its not determinative. Or fatal.</p>

<p>Think long and hard before making a move. I know kids who applied to transfer and got accepted then decided to stay put after all: friends, fitting in, comfort zone, doing well in school, family, finances, etc. </p>

<p>Its a very personal question and only you can answer it. Not us. We offer our opinions, but frequently people here pick the prestige over other equally important factors. </p>

<p>Not saying don’t do it. Saying think, inquire and make a rational well thought out decision considering all your objectives. Sometimes telling faculty your concerns opens up doors as well. Ask them to help you. Many are delighted and know people in business to call. </p>

<p>Employers by the way are more interested in whether you have good personal ethics, good work ethic, a positive attitude and can get the job done. You will have stiff competition at Rutgers. Its not always greener grass.</p>

<p>Nothing wrong with Rutgers. I get that. Just I am not a big fan of transferring and you have already transferred once. Be grateful for what you have. Do your homework on this topic.</p>

<p>Good luck.</p>