kamran619

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Memphis. I have a 3.75 with 29 hours. I will be applying to GA Tech, UIUC, and UT Austin for Fall 2010. I was wondering what my chances are of getting into these schools. By the end of the spring semester I will be at a 3.86, but they won't see this right? If not, I will have a 3.80 at the end of my fall semester. They will see the GPA I transfer with at the end of my fall semester right? I am majoring in Computer Science, but am not sure whether I want to stay in CS or go to Electrical Engineering. I was talking to an advisor at UT Austin and she told me I could double major in both and only have a semester more to go which sounds like a great idea to me. Since I am only applying to three schools, all of which are very well known and have excellent engineering programs, should I apply to a safety school or will I get into at least one of them? Money is kind of an issue, so I wouldn't' want to apply to a safety schools if I didn't have to. Can someone tell me if I will get into any of these schools?

Also, I will have completed all of the prereqs and be transferring as a junior with 60 credits. I will have completed Cal I,Cal II, Cal III, Physics I, Physics II, Chem I, and one year of lower lever comp sci introductory classes. Thanks.

contramundum09

I'm confused. You say money is an issue right now but it won't be next fall when you're paying $26,000+ in tuition?

With a 3.8 I would think you should get into one of them.

kamran619

What I meant to say was if I can get into one of them for sure, it would save me time and money not to apply to a safety school. I will be taking out student loans to pay for the schools.

kamran619

Anyone else?

mjmj824

Tech, yes. Other two, your chances are good

mjmj824

And if money is an issue for applying, do you have a plan on paying for out of state tuition?

kamran619

I was going to take loans out. Is there a better way to go about it?

mjmj824

By trying to keep loans to a minimum. It will probably take you 2 years to finish your degree. So that is going to be close to 60k in loans (assuming limited financial aid). With interest that can push close to 100k you have to pay back.

Assuming you looking a better engineer program, UT-knox program is upcoming. Chances are you could go there for free. Vandy is pretty good too. While they not as good as the schools you listed. They only a step down.

The difference in starting salaries from Tier 1 and Tier 2 school is probably a few thousands at the most. With grades like yours, you will probably make up the difference no matter where you go. Going to a Tier 2 school and starting your career debt free is a lot better than going a Tier 1 school and being almost 100k in the whole.

At the least. If you persist on taking out loans. A good marker is for them not to exceed your career starting salary.

kamran619

Thanks so much. I will be applying to UT Knox as well, and if I don't get any financial aid from the other schools(assuming I get in) then I will have UT Knox.