Transferring from CC to FSU (or possibly others)

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I'm currently a student at Pensacola State College. I'll have an AA in Computer Science in Spring '11, and I currently have a 3.88 GPA overall (and I'm considering retaking one class to increase that to a 4.0). I'm looking to transfer in Fall '11. My initial thought was to apply to FSU only. However, I've been contacted by Cornell and Columbia, so I may be applying to all three.</p>

<p>Now, I've done some research into all three schools. I'm well aware that Cornell and Columbia are Top-15 schools for CS, while FSU is merely Top-100 (if it's still that). However, I'm still considering FSU to be my #1 school for a few reasons. First, and foremost, is the cost involved. I'd pay more for a year at Cornell or Columbia than I would for two at FSU. Second would be admission rate. Simply put, I have a MUCH better chance of entering FSU than I do for either Cornell or Columbia, just looking at the numbers. All that said, I have two questions. Does instructional quality really make that big a difference for Computer Science? And is it bad judgment to consider FSU over Cornell and Columbia? (Bear in mind, this line of thinking is based on strictly out-of-pocket expense. Were there to be any scholarships applied to either of the Ivies, it could change my thinking drastically.)</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>For undergraduate purposes FSU would be fine for computer science unless you’re getting a free ride at the private schools, especially if this means you’re going to incur significant debt.</p>

3

<p>You cannot get academic scholarships at an Ivy League school. If, however, you have financial need, Ivy League schools are the best in the country for financial aid.</p>

<p>Probably isn’t worth it, though, if it would put you $100,000 in debt. Not that you’d have to decide until/unless you were accepted.</p>

4

<p>Like I said, I’ll be applying to all three, but in absence of any additional aid, I’ll be attending FSU. $100k in loans is a bear to pay off, especially when Ivy League doesn’t guarantee a high-paying job out of college. Thanks again for the info!</p>

5

<p>Assuming that you are a dependent of your parent(s) still, then your aid would be based on their income. If it is above $200k/year, then you will have pretty much no aid. If it is significantly lower, you should have a good amount of aid at an Ivy League school.</p>

<p>Either way, I bet it’s nice to get in. Good luck.</p>