Transferring from McCombs (UT Austin) to Northwestern?

Parents Forum
1

<p>Hi everyone, </p>

<p>I also posted this in the Transfer forum but I would like to ask some parents who have gone through the college process and can offer me advice no other student could give me.</p>

<p>I just finished my freshman year at UT Austin, where I was in McCombs. I really wanted to move to the next level, namely the Business Honors Program (BHP) at UT, or another top school. After my transfer application process, I was accepted into Northwestern University, but I was not accepted into BHP.</p>

<p>Now, I have to decide what I will do. I love UT, have a great group of people there, signed a lease for a nice apartment next year with some cool roommates and have worked out my degree plan and everything.</p>

<p>But, I have a feeling if I don't go to Northwestern, I'll be turning down an amazing opportunity. I worked hard my freshman year to get into BHP, taking certain classes and taking a hit on my GPA likewise in order to try and get in. If I don't go to Northwestern and stay where I am, all that work and GPA will go to waste... a lot of all nighters, sacrifices, time, etc. (It's not that I dislike the work I put in, I just don't feel comfortable letting it go away with me not benefiting in the end).</p>

<p>Still, UT is much cheaper (in-state tuition), I know a lot of people there and have basically mapped out the next few years of my life/education. Loans won't be an issue. ffMy parents say not to worry about money, but I still don't want to burden them with that cost. Regardless of whether they have the funds or not, I also don't feel comfortable making anyone pay that much for education.</p>

<p>In the end, it comes down to a more comfortable, cheaper, established position at a good school, or the more prestigious school which will partially ease my mind.</p>

<p>What do you parents think I should do? Any advice is appreciated.</p>

2

<p>UT Austin for sure. The price is better, the business school is really well respected, you have a lease, which I think you are obligated to fulfill, and I think you are obsessing about rankings, which probably don’t matter much.</p>

<p>And your hard work wasn’t wasted. Having a high GPA will help with internships, job offers, etc.</p>

3

<p>“I love UT, have a great group of people there, signed a lease for a nice apartment next year with some cool roommates and have worked out my degree plan and everything.”</p>

<p>“UT is much cheaper” … “I don’t want to burden them with that cost”</p>

<p>Can’t see leaving behind a sure thing at UT - a school you “love” - to go into debt at Northwestern. That hit to your GPA that kept you out of BHP may get hit once again leaving behind business classes at UT to possibly pursue economics at Northwestern - a major reputed not for the weak of heart on that campus.</p>

<p>I’d stick with the sure thing. Swallow the BHP disappointment. And keep on loving UT.</p>