Some background:
When I was in high school, I was a dual enrollment student at community college, so I had 76 quarter credits when I graduated high school.
I didn’t make it to my choice schools (waitlisted at Washington and Emerson) so I resigned myself to my third school, Seattle U.
Fast forward to now: I want to obtain a double major, and I want to graduate from a different school, hence I really want to transfer. I would love to attend a more competitive school, as well as one that I actually WANT to attend rather than my safety that I only chose for scholarship money (bad move, I know). Issue is, by the time I’m able to apply to any schools I like, I’ll be likely considered a rising senior, as I’ll have 124 quarter credits (16 per quarter I’ve been here). Most of the (reach) schools I was looking at (Wesleyan, Oberlin, etc…,) obviously don’t allow for this.
In either scenario I’m likely re-applying to University of Washington, but I want to hear a) some suggestions on whether I can get around this based off of the weird credit situation I’m in, and if not, alternative school selections.
For reference:
Current Major: Poli Sci w/ Spec. in Legal Studies
Second major (what I want, currently undeclared): Economics
GPA: 3.7
What I’m looking for in a school: a well credentialed school w a decent political sci program, w/ driving distance access to a decent sized town (not necessarily a city). I like both large public state schools and small liberal arts colleges, so I’m not super picky on size, but region wise I prefer either west coast, NE, or mid Atlantic, Midwest fine as well.
Thanks y’all!
Forgot: idk if important but I do have some extracurriculars (Debate Union, poli sci club, plus started a Gun Safety Las advocacy organization on my campus)
Not all schools with require you to use the credits you don’t want to use, like those earned in high school. In fact, some schools won’t accept them or limit them to be used for non-major electives. A lot of schools require you to do 1.5-2 full years at that school to get a degree from that school.
I think you are wrong that Seattle U isn’t a well regarded school, but you have to decide if it is worth it to graduate faster from Seattle U or to go to a school that may require and extra year or semester.
I do think seattle u is well regarded, but it wasn’t my top choice by any means and if I can get into a more “choice” institution, then that would be great.
I’m far enough ahead at this point that I’m willing to take on an extra year or so for this, but obviously yes the credit transfer presents an interesting issue.
I know of two very recent Seattle University graduates. Both are 23 years old & both are working in premier jobs in the Seattle area with a major employer. Both are very well paid !
Since you have a 3.7 GPA, I encourage you to stay at Seattle University & try to raise your GPA to 3.80 or above. You can attend another university for graduate school.
Attending a school for scholarship money is not a bad move. Transferring out as a senior probably is though. You might slide right back down the ladder in terms of having to retake courses, etc… Another college might not accept your credits. You will be spending a lot of extra money. A year or two more of college can cost close to $100k. I agree that you should finish at Seattle and go to a “better” school for a masters.
" my safety that I only chose for scholarship money (bad move, I know)"
Choosing a college because it is lower priced for you is in no way a bad move.
I would not spend my time worrying about transferring now to a “better” school.
Usually when you transfer, the college would want you to take 120 credits at that school.
Do you want to go (and pay) for an extra year of school?
If you think Seattle is beneath you, then you should be a super start with a 4.0 and be working closely with multiple professors.
Finish up and graduate!
I wrote this kinda late at night and probably could’ve done so better but it goes beyond the whole academic prowess thing. There’s multiple other factors that have really bothered me concerning Seattle U, and the only reason I’m not considering a more lateral transfer is that I feel like I’d be able to make a move to a more competitive school.
Will you be able to pay for another two years possibly? Is it worth a lot of debt? Where will the money come from?
I would stick in out with Seattle U - perhaps you can plan a semester abroad while you are an undergrad. U of Washington has a good public policy school - you could apply to get an MPA there.
Transferring as a senior doesn’t make sense. Finish up your degree and get a masters elsewhere.
Why don’t you apply to graduate school elsewhere? You are about done with UG college.
@itsgettingreal17 I’m planning on pursuing a 2nd major no matter what, and that obviously means more time spent at UG, I’d end up graduating w most people in my class or nearer to most people in my class rather than as early as I am.
@cptofthehouse because of the 2nd major I was hoping to pursue. In any scenario that adds time on.
@CheddarcheeseMN I’m actually planning on JD/MBA, although I’m obviously eyeing UW for it. Sticking it out just doesn’t sound ideal to me when it’s added up for the extra time I’d spend on my 2nd major.
@Lindagaf Without going into too much detail, I do have a pretty well-supported financial system, it all works out money-wise, it’s just not ideal on those terms.
You don’t really need two majors - just take a few classes in Econ beyond intermediate micro. Given your future plans, it doesn’t make sense to stay in school longer just to complete second major.
Study economics in graduate school. It will look better. UG is all about the experience and it doesn’t matter what school you go to. What matters is the graduate you attend.