- #1
Angry Citizen
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So, it's getting to be deadline time for college admissions. I'm an aerospace engineering major, and I'm wanting to transfer to an engineering school in Texas; and yes, I know I've made several topics already, but I'd like PF's opinion on this. The problem I'm facing is which one to apply for.
I've already applied to the University of Texas at Arlington. I believe it's a done deal with my transfer GPA (which hovers alternately between 3.9 and 3.55 from gen-ed and science/math courses, respectively). The advantages of UT-A are more scholarships; cheaper housing; tuition is guaranteed; and it has an Honors College system (essentially, you take the most rigorous classes with the best professors, have small class sizes, are considered for more scholarships, and you get a degree with honors, among other benefits). The problem is, UT-A isn't even ranked by most ranking systems. The oft-cited Newsweek ranking places UT-A in the tier 2 ranking, which is below the top 75. I'm concerned that this may hurt my chances of getting into a good grad school, or worse, affect my viability in the job market.
The other two options are UT-Austin and Texas A&M. The former is generally considered very respectable. My problems with it are, I don't think I could get in (and the application fee is high); it is much more expensive; and it has a reputation as a party college, and I take my studies seriously (and I have a low tolerance for noise). My problem with the latter is simply the attitude. I've been jerked around by them for months now. I also don't know if I can get in, and the application fee is again high, and like UT, the tuition/housing/meals might not be covered entirely by financial aid. I could spend $120 just applying to these two schools, which, to me, is a sizable chunk of change. I'm told that I have a solid chance at getting into A&M, but I was also told I would probably have to wait until June or July for admission; I am unable to get started with my housing applications until proper admission, which would be long after most of the housing has been taken up.
Should I apply to UT and A&M? Should I apply to one and see what scholarships come in? Do the rankings really matter enough to go through the process? Please help, PF!
Edit: I should also mention that I have at least one letter of recommendation, possibly two if I can work up the courage to ask my physics professor.
I've already applied to the University of Texas at Arlington. I believe it's a done deal with my transfer GPA (which hovers alternately between 3.9 and 3.55 from gen-ed and science/math courses, respectively). The advantages of UT-A are more scholarships; cheaper housing; tuition is guaranteed; and it has an Honors College system (essentially, you take the most rigorous classes with the best professors, have small class sizes, are considered for more scholarships, and you get a degree with honors, among other benefits). The problem is, UT-A isn't even ranked by most ranking systems. The oft-cited Newsweek ranking places UT-A in the tier 2 ranking, which is below the top 75. I'm concerned that this may hurt my chances of getting into a good grad school, or worse, affect my viability in the job market.
The other two options are UT-Austin and Texas A&M. The former is generally considered very respectable. My problems with it are, I don't think I could get in (and the application fee is high); it is much more expensive; and it has a reputation as a party college, and I take my studies seriously (and I have a low tolerance for noise). My problem with the latter is simply the attitude. I've been jerked around by them for months now. I also don't know if I can get in, and the application fee is again high, and like UT, the tuition/housing/meals might not be covered entirely by financial aid. I could spend $120 just applying to these two schools, which, to me, is a sizable chunk of change. I'm told that I have a solid chance at getting into A&M, but I was also told I would probably have to wait until June or July for admission; I am unable to get started with my housing applications until proper admission, which would be long after most of the housing has been taken up.
Should I apply to UT and A&M? Should I apply to one and see what scholarships come in? Do the rankings really matter enough to go through the process? Please help, PF!
Edit: I should also mention that I have at least one letter of recommendation, possibly two if I can work up the courage to ask my physics professor.
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