<p>Within the next year or so my parents will be moving to West Virginia, and if I were to stay in Oregon, I would have no friends or family for 2,500 miles. I really do not want to stay even though the University of Oregon (where I was originally going transfer from the community college I currently attend) has a good program for my major, English. The last five years I have lived here have been tough, and the only reason I have stayed was because of the free room and board at my parents. Without them staying, I have no real desire to stay myself. In fact, I was originally hoping to find a way out through transfer if I could get enough aid anyway.</p>
<p>So I was considering seeking out a college in or around West Virginia, and I kind of worry that I may be trading proximity to my family for an inferior education. I am not sure when I would transfer, or if I would have to wait until I finish up an associate's degree first. My major hurdle is that I have not yet started and finished my foreign language requirement (which I did not do in high school), as I was planning to do that my last year in community college for financial/credit reasons. I'm not sure if I could be accepted in WVU without it, which is the best school in the state. I could probably take the two terms usually required in spring, summer, or fall quarter, if necessary.</p>
<p>I'm willing to look into Ohio, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia as well, though West Virginia would be the most affordable option for me. My brother has attended WVU, and may be attending Marshall soon, so I have no idea if that'll affect any acceptance. I heard some schools do that. I'm going to join Phi Theta Kappa (the community college honor society) soon and will probably have a 3.5 by the time of application (before fall or spring semesters). I don't have any extra EC's or employment. Should I start something to spice up my application, or will very involved commitment to PTK be enough?</p>
<p>Also, any tips on how to prepare for this transfer to a school across the country?</p>
<p>Start by checking the PTK website for colleges and universities that would award you a transfer scholarship. Then use any of the college search engines such as the one here or the College Board College Matchmaker to look for institutions that offer your major and are in your price range.</p>
<p>West Virginia participates in the Academic Common Market which is similar to the Western Governor’s tuition exchange program. Once your family has West Virginia residence, you might be able to arrange in-state tuition at a cooperating institution in another state. Read about it at [Southern</a> Regional Education Board](<a href=“http://home.sreb.org/acm/StateInfo.aspx?state=WV]Southern”>http://home.sreb.org/acm/StateInfo.aspx?state=WV)</p>
<p>Some of the best advice for your situation is probably to be had at your own community college. Sit down with the transfer counselor and ask for their suggestions. You are not the first student who has transferred from your community college to a college or university on the other side of the country! </p>
<p>You also should take this question to the Transfer Forum. Click on “Discussion Home” in the upper-left of this screen, then scroll down to find it. Take time to read through the thread “Transfer Admissions 101” at the top of that forum. You will get some good ideas there.</p>
<p>You need to find out when you will have instate residency in WV. If you’re considered OOS for the first year, that would get expensive.</p>
<p>Have your parents said how much they’ll pay each year? If not, you need to ask them. If money is an issue, then going OOS would probably not be affordable.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information! I had no idea about that Southern Regional Education Board program, so it really helps to know about!</p>
<p>As for residency, I’m thinking about trying to get in fall or spring of next year to limit my education to four years if possible (and save money, because I would be spending a lot if my parents moved on me while I finished the next year here), instead of five. But even if I were to choose not to wait and go before residency is established… out-of-state tuition is cheaper than in-state tuition at Oregon for Marshall, which I find myself really liking, and I believe I could get into it already. My brother also lives in the state for the last three or four years, so I wondered if I could put his address or discuss with admissions residency? How does that normally work?</p>
<p>As for money, I could take out a loan the first year to cover expenses. My family is supposed to come into money and it is very likely we could pay off the loan and the remaining expenses for my education in time before it becomes a problem in the second year.</p>