<p>I know this is going to be an odd story and situation around here, but I really could use a little advice. I actually graduated in 2007 from HS, and ended up at what felt like the wrong school, so I took a gap year. Now I’m going to a school that I don’t love and don’t really want to attend, but I really need to get the ball rolling so I’m going with the intentions of keeping a high GPA and planning to transfer. During the last year I’ve been looking for schools that I really want to attend,and I’ve made lists but every time I start to do a lot of research to get things together, it’s as if things fall apart and the schools no longer fit. Besides, I can only figure out so much from books and websites. </p>
<p>I live in Alabama, and honestly there’s not one school here I love and could see myself at for four years. I’d love nothing more than to get out of this place. I’m not looking at Ivy-League Schools or top schools. Nothing like that.I plan on majoring in Finance, MIS, or Information Systems (pretty stuck on Finance right now). Diversity is important to me, and I would like to be around many different people. I don’t want to be THE diversity in every class. I would also like to take Japanese, and I know not every school offers languages outside of the typical Spanish, German, and French, along with eventually having the opportunity to study abroad. I’d like a school that’s not too small, it makes me feel cramped and isolated. Fish in a small bowl. Among that, I’d like for the campus to be pretty close to most of the things I’d need and entertainment places. I’m not a party every day kind of girl, but I do like to have my fun. Not sure what else I should mention, and perhaps I am being too picky, but suggestions are appreciated.</p>
<p>For diversity, you can’t beat the Washington DC/Baltimore area. It also has the entertainment options that you are looking for. George Washington U is large, and has the programs that you want. U Maryland College Park does also, but it is competitive to get into the business programs. U Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) is good for MIS and Info Sciences, and is easier to get into than College Park. Towson University is definitely worth looking at, too. George Mason and James Madison in Virginia are worth looking at. It sounds as if you should go to a fairly large place, because there will be a greater chance of finding people and activities that fit.</p>
<p>My stats are pretty average from HS. I had a 4.0 when I graduated, but my ACT score is pretty low (or shall I say average) at 24 (My school thought it was pretty good XD) . I was told not to take the SAT back then and we didn’t do any prep. I was kind of thinking about taking it again now that I know how important it is, but I don’t think it would make a difference. So I’m hoping my college grades and a few heartfelt essays will speak for me more than my old score. I was also pretty involved in Diversity programs, so I’m hoping I can continue those in College. </p>
<p>Also, I’d be transferring to these schools as a Sophomore. I actually love a few of the UC’s, but I don’t think they like Transfer students much (especially OOS ones), and they don’t take sophomores. I don’t mind Public or Privates, as long as the school is down to earth and have what I’m looking for. </p>
<p>At Onemom, thank you for your suggestions, I’ll definitely be looking into them. I too think a larger school would be a bit better for me as well.</p>