Transferring for Engineering

College Search & Selection
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<p>A few days ago I posted a very long thread that didn't get very many useful replies; I assume the thread was overly daunting with so much information and so many questions. So I'm going to try to focus on the most important question: where should I be looking to transfer?</p>

<p>I have sort of a unique situation. I've been reading dozens of "chances" and other threads, however a majority of these are by highschool starlets whose stats contain more 800s than a phonebook. </p>

<p>I'm 22 years old and starting community college in less than a month. "Unmotivated" would be an understatement as far as my high school education went. Very poor grades juxtaposed with high test scores and high Regents scores (if anyone is familiar with the NYS standardized tests). No AP, no honors, no ECs (besides Boys State and 1 year of Varsity soccer). My goal is to put the work in to community college to transfer into at least a decent school for mechanical engineering. But I don't want to do it haphazardly, which is why I'm looking for advice. As much as I'd love to drop names like MIT and Stanford in this thread, I've accepted that they're most likely not going to be in my future. I need some ideas for good schools I can realistically hope to transfer in to. I plan to take the SAT and the SAT II in Math 2 and Physics in a year or two. I can do extremely well academically when I want to, which is finally now. Let's imagine I finish with a 3.7+ GPA, 2200+ SAT, and at least 700s on the specialized tests. I'm hoping (and assuming) I can do better, but I'll use safe numbers. Would a school like University of Michigan be out of my grasp?</p>

<p>Here is their section on transferring from their website:</p>

<p>
[quote]
Students applying to transfer must be in good standing, both academically and socially, at the institution(s) attended. The University of Michigan considers the college grade point average, the quality and quantity of transferable college credit, TOEFL/MELAB scores (if applicable), and the quality of high school credentials (including grades, strength of curriculum, and standardized test scores) during the transfer review process. In addition, individual schools/colleges may require specific course prerequisites, portfolios, and auditions, which are also taken into consideration when evaluating applications.</p>

<p>Successful candidates usually will present a distinguished record of college study, earning a cumulative grade-point average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better. In those schools/colleges where the number of applications exceed available spaces (e.g., College of Literature, Science, and the Arts), admission is competitive.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>
[quote]
Prerequisites include:</p>

<pre><code>* one semester of English composition
* linear algebra and differential equations
* two years of math including Calculus I, II, III
* general physics I and II (calculus-based) with labs
* one semester of general/inorganic chemistry or higher and lab (Chemical Engineering requires organic chemistry)
* one semester of a computer language course preferably in "C", "C++" or Java.
* three or four courses taken in the humanities and social science areas are recommended
</code></pre>

<p>Transfer Course Equivalencies are available for community colleges in the state of Michigan.

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Perhaps its the years I've been away from school, but the requirements seem very "hardcore." My CC sounded like completing Calculus III even within 3 years would be impossible. I'm not sure if they're paced slowly due to being a "low end" college, or what, but the thought of spending 4 years at community college and transferring to my "real" college at the age of 26 is kind of frightening. Maybe I can make it work somehow, but I'm starting to think I may have to aim lower than University of Michigan. And since I don't have a vast knowledge of mediocre engineering schools, it would be awesome if anyone could try recommending some places that would be more within my reach. RIT was much more vague, instead "requiring" an associates degree in one of many courses that my CC doesn't offer. Help please?</p>

<p>I also have a quick question about OOS financial aid. How does it work? I don't have much money and neither does my family. I have an EFC of 0. Obviously that doesn't mean that I am to pay $0 no matter where I attend. What would I be paying for an OOS college? I'm most likely going to need a merit scholarship.</p>

<p>The more I think about this, the more I think I'm completely screwed even if I can "prove myself" at my CC. I may just be too far behind. Any thoughts, please?</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>Edit: I forgot to mention, it seems that ECs are sometimes more important than stats. What exactly can I do to make myself stand out while going to a small community college in a small town? It's not like I'll be able to spend the summer building a robot with a nobel prize winner like I've read from some other threads.</p>

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<p>Bump…</p>

<p>(10char)</p>

3

<p>

If you need FA or merit aid you won’t be going to UMich, especially as a transfer. Their merit aid is very competitive and only goes to the best applicants. OOS schools will not offer much FA beyond that offered federally to everyone (which comes to $27K total over 4 years). </p>

<p>Do you still live in NY? The SUNYs are considered bargains for state colleges.</p>

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<p>So with an EFC of 0 you only get $6750 a year? Ouch. Is that only for OOS schools, or would I get more aid going to a NY school? I’d assume federal aid would be the same anywhere. Also you say over 4 years, what if I end having to go more than 4 years?</p>

<p>Maybe I’m wrong but I’ve always seen SUNYs as glorified community colleges and places where “bros” go to party. Not exactly great intellectual institutions. But maybe my views have been sullied by the local SUNYs and one of them has a decent engineering program. Any thoughts?</p>

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<p>SUNY Buffalo is very strong in engineering. Binghamton and Stony Brook are also good. </p>

<p>Until you know how you do at CC, it is really difficult to know whether UMich is within grasp, or even wise to consider. But my immediate reaction/guess is that it would make more sense to try to transfer to an instate public U (or other less selective school) as quickly as possible, which would shorten your overall length of time to a degree. Starting at a CC, without having a bunch of AP credits, no matter where you transfer to, the total length of time to get your degree will be more than 4 years. But if you plan correctly, maybe you could do it in 5 years, instead of 6. </p>

<p>Could you attend just one year at the CC and then start at a SUNY, for 1+4 total years? Or two years at CC plus 3 years at SUNY? </p>

<p>Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss further. I visit this board as a parent, and am an engineer.</p>