<p>It is so hard to make decision. The content is a bit long, but hope someone would help me out.
I am an international student in the U.S., right now I am in a california community college. eventhough I have a GPA of 3.9 out of 4.0, I don't have enough credit to transfer to a top tier school since I switch my major from Design to Environmental Engineering. Yet, I want to transfer after these past two years struggling because
1.I want to focus on my major;
2. I might have problem to stay in the U.S if I don't transfer at the end of this year.
Thus I apply to FALL10.
Above is my background. Here is my current situations, I got admission from several schools. I did some research and eliminated the others, but the decision is still hard to make within these three:</p>
<p>1.University of California @san diego: (major:environmental engineering)
total expentitude $35000 est
pro:
Though it is not the top most engineering program, but it is not bad.
I like the weather there.
con:
It's expensive but not the top most, does it worth?</p>
<p>2.Oregon State university (major:environmental engineering):
total expentitude: $20000 est scholarship exclusive
pro:
It offers me 7000usd/year scholarship, which make my expenditude only a 1/3 as if I go UCSD.
its environmental engineering program is accredited by ABET(Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology)
con:
It's reputation is far behind the UC system.
I was brought up in very south and don't have a very good health condition, so might not bear the very cold weather in Oregon.</p>
<p>3.UC santa barbara (major:environmental studies):
total expentitude: $35000 est
Pro:
My instructor tell me that the environmental program in UCSB is pretty good.
I am gonna go grad-school after I graduate anyway, so why don't I pursue a related B.S. degree in a better college before I get an M.S..
Con:
I have two chances to go into the major I want most, why should I give it up.</p>
<p>Anyone in this one of three school, especially ucsd or osu; or in anything related to Environmental engineering can give me some advice?
P.S. Stanford is my top choice for grad-school</p>