Very important decision. I need help, PLEASE

<p>I'm going into my second year at a community college in VA. It's almost time for me to begin transfer applications. The only problem is that I don't know where to go. My first choice was VCU, but after reading the alumni reviews on how their degree is not respected by employers even with an outstanding GPA, I don't think I wanna go there. I can't afford to waste thousands of dollars on a degree that will eventually become useless. I was considering William & Mary but I have a gut feeling that I would barely pass any of the classes which would ruin my entire college experience. I'm up for a challenge, I'm willing to study and work hard, but I honestly think William and Mary is out of my league.</p>

<p>I just want to transfer to a school that is respected and will allow me to have a wonderful college experience. I don't mind going out of state but paying 30-40k a year just on tuition is out of the question. </p>

<p>Does anyone have any suggestions on where I should apply to? </p>

<p>What GPA do you have now? Do you know anyone at any of these schools? What about UVa? What prospective major? Don’t make assumptions about whether you would be out of your league or not. How do you know?</p>

<p>PurpleTitan: I currently have a 3.46 GPA going into my second year. I have a handful of friends who attend VCU, they all love it there. I don’t know anyone who’s studying at GMU. I’ve visited William and Mary’s campus before and it’s a beautiful campus but I just wouldn’t fit in. UVa is very expensive and all of the kids there are snobby. </p>

<p>I’m interested in studying International/Global Studies, but as of right now I’m on the fence. I’m not even sure if that’s the right major for me anymore. I feel like I’m lost, no one else in my family has attended college. I don’t have much to guide me with these crucial decisions. The “counselors” at my CC aren’t very helpful at all haha. It’s very stressful. I don’t want to feel as if I made the wrong decision. </p>

<p>What about James Madison University in Harrisonburg? It would be in-state for you in Virginia. . . I know a few kids who have gone there and are loving it! <a href=“http://www.jmu.edu”>www.jmu.edu</a></p>

<p>William and Mary is more expensive than UVA by about 4k. I think you are unfairly criticizing UVA. It is a fantastic school with an excellent international/global studies program. Not all the kids are snobby, by far. I have also read stories on the William and Mary forum that a W&M degree is not that highly regarded outside Virginia and neighboring states. I don’t know how true this is, but it’s some food for thought. However, if you don’t want to consider the school, I respect that. I didn’t even want to apply to UVA for most of my high school career because I didn’t want to be stuck with former classmates, but now it is one of my top choices. </p>

<p>I second James Madison University. They have a semester in Washington program that I think you could really benefit from. They have a nice mixture of having good academics, although not too hard and not too selective, but also a good social/party scene.</p>

<p>GMU might also be good because it is only 30 or so minutes away from DC, which would be extremely beneficial for your major. Just because you don’t know anybody who goes there doesn’t mean you should cross it off your list. It’s not hard to make friends at GMU considering it’s one of the most diverse schools in the country. You will definitely find a place where you can fit in.</p>

<p>You can also try Virginia Tech. I know nothing about their programs but I do know it’s a very well respected school in VA and bordering states, regardless of your major.</p>

<p>I am also a VA applicant looking to go into political science (but was also considering international relations), so I hope this info is useful to you. I think GMU and JMU are your best options and you will get good academics without having to bust your butt just for a decent GPA.</p>

<p>Good luck with your college search and applications. </p>

<p>UVa in-state tuition is actually the same or less than VCU in-state tuition, so I don’t understand the “very expensive” comment about UVa. Where did you get that idea from?</p>

<p>As for the “snobby” comment, look, where do you want to go in life? You’ll find that if you want to succeed, sooner or later, you’ll have to deal with people who are not like you and with whom you don’t fit in.</p>

<p>Maybe what’s best for you is to work for a year before applying to a 4-year college. You have 2 years after you get your AA, right?</p>

<p>Thanks guys! The information you all provided is really appreciated. I guess I’ll have to look into W&M and UVa more. My only issue with GMU and Madison is that they’re known around the DMV area and that’s it. If I ever wanted to move out of state to NY or to CA (just to give an example) future employers would probably scratch their head if I were to mention graduating from either of those two schools. Where as UVa and W&M are nationally recognized and respected. So I suppose you guys are right, in order to get to where I want to be I’ll have to compromise. </p>

<p>I was just hoping to come across a respected school that I wouldn’t have to bust my butt to have decent GPA. Most of the kids at UVa were probably top of their class in high school. But I guess that’s not too much of a realistic goal.
PurpleTitan: Yep! 2 years. </p>

<p>Nothing in life worth having ever came for free. Just be prepared to work your butt off no matter where you go.</p>

<p>@goodaimes, I wouldn’t be too worried about name recognition for any of the schools that you are considering. II live in an area that is considered suburban NYC, and all of the schools mentioned are well known and have students from the area attending (GMU is the only school that I don’t know someone currently attending). Choose what feels like the best fit for you.</p>

<p>

</p>

<p>Once you get your first job, the name of the college you received it from isn’t a top issue any more. Most employers care a lot more about your skills, experiences, and references once you get going in the working world. Also, you expressed a concern that you don’t know anyone going to GMU. Put that out of your head as a factor at all in making your choice. Research the schools and programs, visit them (shouldn’t get too tough as you are in-state for the ones discussed here), and get your applications in so you have some choices when the time comes.</p>

<p>My company hires across the country. If the school is accredited that is all that matters. </p>

<p>@intparent @scrabblemomb I guess you guys are right. It’s just the thought of going to school and getting turned down by employers because of where you graduated from. You just never know these days. I did a little research and came across a few out of state schools with low out of state tuition. Florida International, Florida Atlantic, and Florida State’s o-o-s tuition is not bad at all, and from what I’ve heard they’re pretty good schools. </p>

<p>I’m definitely gonna rock out this semester and get my GPA high as possible. I think it’s not always about the university itself but what you do yourself out of the classroom. Like community service, volunteer work, internships, and references. You guys made me feel a bit better about my future if I do end up at a Tier 3 like George Mason or James Madison. </p>

<p>If you aren’t aiming for investment banking or the top three strategic consulting firms, don’t worry about it. Hustle for good internships, though, that helps.</p>

<p>I wouldn’t say James Madison isn’t well-known. I’m still in high school and I live in California–a far cry from Virginia–but I’ve heard of the university.</p>

<p>I’m still trying to figure out what exactly it is I want to do. I love to write, think and solve problems. I also love to research and collect data. I also have strong leadership and communication skills. But I am HORRIBLE at math, I do not like math. A career filled or revolving around math is not a job for me. Becoming a marketing consultant or market research analyst are career fields I could see myself in. </p>

<p>Wouldn’t those be careers involving math?</p>

<p>Actually, you sound more like the ideal lawyer - something more like the guys who pull deals together like corporate or real estate, not litigation.</p>

<p>Ok, first - throw out all of the stereotypes you are using to judge these schools. Why in world would you think a degree at VCU would be worthless? Or JMU? Or GMU? Sure, UVA has a reputation of sorts, but there are plenty of different folks there. Do you truly believe it’s populated with 14,000 snobs? William and Mary is challenging, so it may be legit that you feel it may be too much for you, but be sure to check it out. There’s Va Tech and Christopher Newport Univ as well as Univ. of Mary Washington. These are all great choices. We are so fortunate to have some really wonderful schools in Virginia. Forget who you know or don’t know there, and visit with an open mind and open heart.</p>

<p>Not sure where you’re getting your information. JMU is well-respected and MUCH better than either FIU or FAU. FIU is the equivalent of Radford.
You could always try to apply to American, too.
How good are your foreign language skills (important for IR)?</p>

<p>@vamominvabeach I never said receiving a degree from GMU or JMU would be worthless. I’m only saying that I don’t want to receive an education from a university that will hinder me rather than help me prosper. I want to go to a school with a good career office for internships and that’ll help me out. I plan on working for a couple years and then applying to grad school. Most of the time, in order to land well/high paying jobs, you have to go to prestigious university… I’m just gonna take some time to focus on this year’s academics. I’ll see what the future holds when it’s time for me to apply to schools. I’m just scared of making the wrong choice, I won’t be able to go back in time and change my mind. 10 years from now, I don’t want to be saying to myself, “Gosh, I wish I would have gone to a better school.” that’s all. I appreciate the advice though. </p>

<p>@myos1634 I’ve taken French classes, I’m okay at it. I’m no where near fluent. I’m not sure if I want to major in IR/IS anymore. </p>

<p>You’re still making assumptions.
But if you think the name of your school matters, try to get in to UVa (or W&M . . . or other VA schools that folks there know better than I).</p>