<p>I’m currently a sophomore at CUNY right now and I just got accepted as a transfer to UBuffalo. But I’m in a bit of a situation right now. </p>
<p>I’ve spent a good portion of the past few years deciding what to major in. I’m a REALLY indecisive person and I honestly had ABSOLUTELY NO CLUE what to major in. My parents suggested to me to do nursing so I took some nursing pre-reqs but I don’t have as much motivation since it’s EXTREMELY competitive and it wasn’t something I was TRULY interested in. </p>
<p>But I’ve always had a passion for the environment and I considered majoring in environmental engineering. I was thinking of applying to UB’s environmental engineering program but if I do the program, I’d probably have to stay a couple extra years because I don’t have the engineering pre-req’s. And that would be a buttload of student loans I’d have to take out. I know I’m going to take out loans if I decide to go to UB, but I don’t want to add MORE loans by having to stay two extra years or so. </p>
<p>So I’m kind of stuck between two choices:
Stay in my current college, with cheaper tuition (approx. $6000 a year), just major in stats and not have to worry about student loans in the future?
OR
Take out student loans, go to UB, major in environmental engineering and be able study something I enjoy even though I’m going be racking in student debt in the future? (Estimating around $17,000 a year because I don’t get that much financial aid…even with FAFSA)</p>
<p>Personally, I’d do the following: if I was really committed to environmental engineering, I’d make it work. If your problem are missing pre-requisites, can you take them somewhere cheaply (e.g. your current college or community college) before you transfer to UB? </p>
<p>“Losing a year” or paying an extra $6,000 in tuition for a year of prerequisite classes is nothing compared to the satisfaction you get out of a job you like.</p>
<p>If you are not sure, I’d probably finish a major that you can easily do (statistics is a great choice!) while engineering pre-requisites as electives whenever possible. You could still switch to environmental engineering in graduate school if you really want, although the grad school path is probably going to be more expensive than making the switch right now.</p>
<p>I’d agree with b@r!um, if you’re uncertain of your choice, it’s a high price to pay. You could instead finish your degree in statistics (which is quite versatile) and seek opportunities and experience in environment related jobs/grad school. Statistics are everywhere, and instead of changing majors, your can tailor the one you have towards your passion.</p>
<p>FYI- UB is a great school for engineering. </p>
<p>Son took some summer classes on line form Erie Community College and SUNY Farmingdale. These were not in major classes, but a great way for you to avoid the extra years, if you can. Just keep it in mind. (All CC in NYS gives you “in county” tuition. You just have to get paperwork from your county.)</p>
<p>The tuition at CUNY vs SUNY is similar. It’s the added cost of room and board. There is an Engineering job fair each Fall on campus. From that, you send resumes, etc. and hopefully will obtain summer internships in your field. These paid internships will give you money and experience to put on the resume.</p>
<p>I think that ultimately you really want to enjoy your job. Can’t give you specific advice but doing something just to have it pay the bills will catch up to you imho.</p>
<p>Thank you guys for your insight.
I’ve been thinking, should I simply major in statistics and try to find a job in some kind of environmental firm?</p>
<p>I think that you want to gather as many facts and accumulate information and then make your own decision. A survey of other people’s opinions will not be specific enough to your own personal situation. Try to get straight A’s whatever you are doing.<br>
As a general rule the better your grades the more you should be willing to pay for credit hours. Like an investment.</p>
<p>That is true, but I feel so lost and need a little guidance :(</p>
<p>Is getting student loans worth it? My parents are going to have to pay for half of it and I feel so bad they have to pay for me just to put me through school.</p>