<p>Hi all,
I am a transfer student to UNC from Rutgers NB. My majors are Political Science and Economics.
I am a diligent student at Rutgers. I will gain 72 credits by the end of this summer, and my academic performance is kept fine so far (3.9/4.0 GPA, PTK, Tau Sigma and a few other honors). Yet, my weak spot is my extracurriculum; I dont have a very nice list that can prove my diversity or uniqueness
I guess this is the reason why Ive been rejected by most Ivy schools and by GTown twice.
The reason why I thought about transferring was because I always plan to pursue some advanced level education after undergraduate, meaning going to one of those top schools like Yale, MIT, foreign schools like Oxford or others (u know, big-names, that kind of places).
UNC indeed is a wonderful place. I said no to Michigan, Notre Dame and WM because UNC really seems to be the best place for me in comparison, both academically and financially. Now the matter turns out to be choosing between going to UNC and staying at Rutgers.
My first concern is my prospect. Certainly, UNC has better reputation in both of my majors. Given that I really want to go to a big-name for graduate and beyond, a UNC student may be weighted a lot more than a Rutgerss one ---- UNCs pros: ranking, reputation. Rutgers pros: as far as I know, network (I get to know some widely respected scholars here, they are very helpful in terms of both academic and professional future), physical location (NYC, Phili, DC, basically more opportunities).
Then, different cost is another heavy part. I am a Jersey local, so I pay roughly 8k each year. If I go to NC, no financial aid for the first year, and the cost will be something around 25k. Then in the second, I may apply for a NC residency (not sure whether it is possible) and pay in-state tuition for some 12k each year if I still dont get any financial aid
---- the difference here is roughly 21k to 34k depends on whether I will get the NC residency or not. Considering that UNC will cut me 16 credits which essentially turn me back to a first-semester sophomore. I dont know if it still worth to transfer.
Other concerns like environment or living cost arent bothering me a lot, so I am not gonna discuss it here.
I am posting this thread because I really want to hear some advices from some real people, particularly those who are having or had similar experiences. I have to make a decision before next weekend, so any responses and any suggestions will be sincerely appreciated.</p>
<p>If you like the environment and experience that you are having so far at Rutgers, I would probably stay there and save the $ for grad school. Both UNC & Rutgers will be regarded well in terms of graduate school admssions at top schools. The most important thing will be to keep your undergrad GPA high and prepare for/ace your standardized test (LSAT, MCAT, whetever you are taking.) Prepare a strong essay and apply to grad school early. Cast a wide net and apply to a good # of schools. Whichever way you decide, you should be in good shape if you do this. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>I agree 100% with ^ AlwaysLearn!! Save your money for Graduate school since there will be no financial aid or subsidized loans. Take advantage of the low cost tuition Rutgers is offering you especially that you are doing great there. Good luck with your decision!!</p>
<p>Are PTK and Tau Sigma those pay 85 dollars to join honors societies that mass email everyone? lol, oh well. If you can transfer without having to take loans, go for it otherwise I’d wouldn’t recommend it. </p>
<p>At any rate, the most important thing for you is to do research, as much as you can your hands on, then buddying up to people in your department and taking graduate classes. Two year transferring is kind of a ****ty deal because, at this point, you should be beginning to make connections inside the department; when you transfer you cut these ties and need to start over (this and money are why I stayed)</p>
<p>Universities are wise to the change of residency trick. They have a rule that whatever state you lived in when you applied is the state that determines your tuition every year.</p>