<p>Hello,
I am a Class of 2014 high school graduate and at this moment about to attend Butler University in the Fall 2014 semester.
The issue is this: I only applied to Butler in a fit of panic after I was rejected for my dream school early decision and I hadn’t considered other options before many of the schools’ application deadlines. It also doesn’t help that I considered Butler for a different major (Engineering or Business) to begin with instead of the one I am planning on pursuing now (Some sort of film degree). The last few months I’ve thought about whether or not I made the right decision for me, but after having the opportunity to talk to colleges that better specialize in film, I’m now certain I would be better off elsewhere besides Butler. Specifically, I’ve been looking heavily into Columbia College Chicago, whose admission deadline is actually in a few weeks. Trouble is, I’ve already committed, submitted my enrollment deposit, and have attended orientation/signed up for my first semester classes. Is it possible to apply to CCC and withdraw from BU and be able to attend in the fall? Or should I wait and just transfer the Winter semester/next Fall? What would this mean for the financial aid I have gotten that is already going to BU? I haven’t been charged my first bill yet, but my federal loans are already tied there I believe.</p>
<p>Thank you, any advice is appreciated.</p>
<p>I think you can apply to and attend CCC if you get in, but you would lose any deposit you put in at Butler. People don’t attend schools they initially commit to for different reasons (called summer melt) for example if they get off a waitlist at a preferred school. Why don’t you talk to your guidance counselor at school (he/she would have to be involved in any event to get your transcript to CCC). Just think carefully, talk to your parents, look at the finances, and make sure you are not making a hasty decision.</p>
<p>Make sure you can afford full pay at CCC before you give up your spot, because I don’t think you can expect much if any aid there.</p>
<p>While CCC has relatively low tuition for a private college, there is not much in the way of heavy scholarships, so students tend to pay the “sticker price” at schools like that. I see a list of scholarships here, and some are for continuing students (so plan to get ready to apply for them if you attend, as deadlines come up quickly): <a href=“Page Not Found - Columbia College Chicago”>Page Not Found - Columbia College Chicago. </p>
<p>They also have a business minor that you can tweak to support film business interests. </p>
<p>Consider ways to bring in credits (do you have AP? Maybe take some CLEP? Do community college in summers, when you’re not interning?).</p>
<p>They also have a Semester in LA you might want to plan for: <a href=“Page Not Found - Columbia College Chicago”>Page Not Found - Columbia College Chicago. </p>
<p>Because the school is “generous admissions,” you can count on being accepted. Squaring away your dorm or apartment and financial aid might be the bigger issue. You can contact their housing and student aid offices. So, apply for fall and plan on attending. Just make sure to DROP your Butler courses and let them know once your CCC plan is set. </p>
<p>I’ve seen students switch gears just before their first semester in college by changing intended schools, and it seems to turn out well in the long run. </p>
<p>Good luck! </p>