<p>Hello everyone. I am faced with the unfortunate problem of perhaps having to transfer from my current school because of family financial situations. Unfortunately, I have no idea about the admissions process, especially for transfers, and I am unsure of what schools would be good fits for me in my current situation. If anyone could offer me any help, it would be greatly appreciated. I will give some stats here that I think would be important. If anyone needs to know anything else, I will add on. <em>Note: I have already posted this on the Transfer board, but was wondering if anyone here had some insight as well.</em></p>
<p>Current School: Top 25 School, according to US News. I would prefer not to say, but if it helps, I can. I also have another account on her and would like the two to be separate.
Entering As: Junior, I would assume. I am a junior right now.
High School GPA: 3.66
College GPA: 3.11
Major: Double Major in English and History
Minor: Hopefully minoring in Education
Home State: NC (If I could stay close to this area, that would be ideal)
EFC: Usually somewhere around 7500-10000 a semester
SAT/ACT Score: 2160 or 2170 (I don't remember)/33
SAT II Scores: N/A
Significant ECs: Student Union, Working in the Music Department, Amnesty International, Animal Humane Society Organization, Duke TIP Summer Internship
Hooks: N/A
US/International: US applicant</p>
<p>Thanks guys. Seriously, any help is appreciated.</p>
<p>Did you just start your junior year, or have you asked for a leave of absence while you sort things out?</p>
<p>If you have just started, and money is a huge issue, find out if you can withdraw NOW and take a leave.</p>
<p>Since you think you will leave your current university because of the cost, you need to determine how you will pay for the rest of your education, and you need to find some place that fits your budget. What can your family pay?</p>
<p>Financial aid for transfers is lousy at most places. Look for places where the full Cost of Attendance is within your budget.</p>
<p>I have started my junior year and my school does not offer leaves, only withdrawals. This semester is already paid for, so that isn’t a problem, but paying for next semester might be an issue. There is still a bit of a question mark on that one. If my parents can find a payment plan, then I might be able to stay, which is obviously preferable. </p>
<p>My parents can afford to pay about 10-15000 a year, or I could take out some loans to help that out. </p>
<p>Thanks for the help happymom. I really appreciate it.</p>
<p>What about Appalachian State, ECU, or one of the UNC’s? It seems like they would be your best option given that UNC-Chapel Hill isn’t happening with that college GPA (although I guess you could try), and their COA is fairly low but they have a large population of students who live near campus.</p>
<p>Have you had a meeting with the Financial Aid Office about your expected change in circumstances? They may be able to come up with more money for you for the spring.</p>
<p>Have you taken out the maximum federal loan? If not, would increasing your loan for this year to the $7,500/year maximum for a junior make a difference in covering your spring term?</p>
<p>Most colleges and universities have installment payment systems, if your parents can cover your costs but just not all at once, then ask about that when you meet with the Financial Aid Office.</p>
<p>If you do manage to cover the second semester, how are you going to pay for senior year? That is another discussion to have both with your parents and with the Financial Aid Office.</p>
<p>How much money would you get back if you would withdraw now? Ask about that. If it is enough to cover a full year at your home-state U, it may make sense to withdraw right now, move home, get a job, and start saving money while you file all of the transfer applications.</p>
<p>Most places that you would apply to as a transfer will expect you to be there for the equivalent of two academic years. Maybe more depending on how all of your credits transfer. Spend some time with the course catalogues from the various public universities in your home state, and see if you can figure out what it would take for you to graduate in a reasonable amount of time and at a reasonable cost.</p>
<p>Lastly, from your post it looks like you are considering becoming a teacher. If that is true, find out which teacher-training programs in your state are most likely to help you get a job. Often the best university for that is not the biggest or most “famous” one in the state.</p>
<p>Those are some great questions to get me started. Thanks happymom. You have been a massive help.</p>