Trying to narrow down my search...

<p>Hey everyone, I have 84 credits done with a 3.46 gpa at SUNY New Paltz, I'm gonna probably take a semester off in the fall since it's too late to apply anywhere with housing, so I'm going to transfer in the spring. I need to transfer, so staying isn't an option.</p>

<p>But I can't decide where I want to go, I mean, SUNY Geneseo and SUNY Binghamton look good to me (assuming I can get in to both) but recently I've been balancing the potential of going even further away to a school with a great reputation that would offer a great education in a part of the country that i wouldn't normally get to experience. I've been looking at The University of Alabama, Appalachain State University, University of Arkansas, Salisbury University, University of Oklahoma, Northern Iowa, North Carolina and James Madison to name a few.</p>

<p>Basically I'm looking at great schools (that I can get into with a 3.46), with a good out of state price tag, that aren't too large. I would still consider Geneseo and Binghamton, since they're both still about 5 hours away from me, but the idea of going somewhere 'exotic' is getting more and more exciting. So what does everyone think? How are the schools I listed? Are there any others you can suggest? What are my chances of getting in, etc?</p>

<p>Thanks for your help!</p>

<p>what’s your major?</p>

<p>I was originally Secondary Education: English, but I’ve recently dropped the education and am now going for English only.</p>

<p>there are some really great small public schools in the mid to southern USA that are very cheap and affordable. I highly recommend St. Mary’s College Of Maryland, New College Of Florida, The College Of New Jersey and UNC-Asheville as the best LAC type public schools in the country to study at. Also, I would look at Clemson Unversity where I’m going next year, not too big, happiest students, one of the best school spirit schools, excellent and growing national reputation and for a fair OOS price.</p>

<p>Due to the current economy sounds crazy but I would pick a state where current first year teacher salaries are high and where you would be comfortable living. I would then locate a school who fosters student teaching opportunities with that district. Sign up as a tutor, get to know the parents in that community (they are often on the selection committee).</p>

<p>While you are the first year teacher I would continue with at least one night class working towards a masters or specialty. The quicker you earn tenure and move up the pay scale ladder the better.</p>

<p>Is financial aid an issue for you? Usually transfering for Spring Semester means not much aid is available. A lot of aid goes to in state students, not OOS, unless you are looking for merit aid & are in the top 5% of your class or something. Just thought I would ask about the financial aid!</p>

<p>Financial aid is a small concern, not a huge one, instead I’m limited my selections to less expensive schools. I wish I could apply for the fall and not the spring, but it’s too late for most of these schools and if it isn’t too late, it is for campus housing. I’ll probably just take a semester off and wait until spring applications are accepted since I have no other choice.</p>