Chance + Match a Male for Nuclear or Electrical Engineering [FL Resident, 1580 SAT, 3.93 UW, NMSF (probable NMF), <$10k, not enough need-based aid to get there]

Chance Me / Match Me
42

I guess :slight_smile: I think my parents would be fine with turning down a high-up school to use as a bragging right, lol. Asian parents love to do that.

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43

Well, I’m a UGA fan so it kills me anytime I suggest Bama (or FL)! Haha

Sorry about that bowl game. :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye::stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye::heart::black_heart:

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44

The original post states “very low budget” and family is not going to take on a lot of debt. Family is not eligible for much, if any, need-based aid.

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45

I was wondering whether OP might be competitive for the Banneker Key scholarship, which would have been the hail mary route to affordability.

46

What is the Banneker Key scholarship?

47

Google is your friend :grinning:

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48

Of course, this presents an arbitrage opportunity for engineering majors: apply to both FAMU and FSU and see which one admits with a lower net price after scholarships for the same engineering education.

49

Unfortunately I think it’s unlikely, given that OP is unhooked and not from an underrepresented state. UMD gets plenty of highly qualified applicants, so B/K recipients usually have something else they’re bringing to the table. And I believe they award 75-80% of B/K scholarships to in-state applicants. It’s a bit easier to get the partial B/K but that will still leave the COA above OP’s budget.

But sure, OP can give it a shot if he likes.

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50

Florida schools for me are full-ride thanks to Bright Futures + Benaquisto scholarships :slight_smile:

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51

I’m not really interested :stuck_out_tongue:

52

I’m a little confused about what you’re asking of us. Posters have attempted to answer your OP and provide affordable alternatives when you stated FL may not be the best culture fit, but it seems now you’re no longer interested in schools other than FL and TAMU (with an unlikely full ride)?

Perhaps you could clarify. :grinning:

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53

If you’re planning to join the navy after your education, why not do ROTC, especially if you can get a scholarship? This isn’t an area of expertise for me, but it looks as if applications are rolling, so applying sooner vs. later could be wise: Four-Year National Scholarship

The Corps of Cadets is a superset - it includes everyone in all branches of ROTC, plus some who aren’t. This Wikipedia page explains it pretty well, as does the Corps’ own FAQ page.

If an ROTC scholarship is a possibility, Virginia Tech could be another school to look at. Like TAMU, they have a Corps of Cadets
 and their Nuclear Engineering department is where USNA Nuclear Engineering grads go for an accelerated masters. There isn’t a specialized undergrad degree, but there’s a minor in Nuclear Engineering which is open to EE majors. However, I don’t believe there are VT-funded OOS scholarships of the magnitude you’d need.

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54

Since you must have a full ride scholarship to attend TAMU, this needs to be moved to the reach list. In my opinion.

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55

I would focus on those schools. It doesn’t look like any of the other schools on the list are going to be affordable.

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56

Ok, your call. But you should know they have a nuclear reactor on campus :grinning:

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57

Well, now I’m hooked again. TAMU has 2 research reactors and UF apparently has a shabby one.

58

If you were planning on pursuing a career in the Navy you should definitely 1. have Uncle Sam pay for your education either at the Naval Academy, or through a ROTC program, and 2. enter as an officer. Research the programs on your list and see which ones have Navy ROTC.

There are other benefits to the military route besides financial. You will have far more responsibility than civilians at the same stage in their careers, and you will get loads of practical training. And employers love military vets. The Navy also has bases in decent places like Norfolk, San Diego, New London, and Pearl Harbor.

Feel free to message me. I served as a Marine officer with two on-ship deployments, and can shed light on the military life.

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59

Thank you for your service! I’m actually heavily considering attempting to enter the ROTC program, but I’m honestly not the most fit person ever. The final deadline is March 2025, so once I am done with my applications (I set myself a hard deadline of October 10), then I will try and grind my way to the goal for Naval ROTC.

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60

The good news is that the Navy is not physically demanding like the Marines or some MOSes in other branches. Start working out and eating healthy. You can find the Navy’s PT requirements online and start working on their individual events, like running, sit-ups, etc. Find a workout partner. Start slow, but make physical training a priority and incorporate it into your schedule. Set short term goals.

Beyond making the cut for the Navy, getting into shape will help you in many other ways. You’ll feel better, you’ll look a lot better, you’ll gain confidence, you’ll become more sharp mentally, and most importantly, chicks will dig you.

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61

Thank you for the advice! I actually just signed up for a membership with my dad yesterday at my local YMCA.

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