What schools can I apply to that are still accepting applications?
I applied to CPSLO, CPP, SDSU, CSUN, UCLA, UCSB, UCI, and UCSD for Fall 2016 as a Mech E. transfer in a CCC. I was denied at CPSLO and SDSU, with SLO being my first choice. I had a 3.43 when I applied and now at a 3.35. I do have a lot of extracurriculars but I’ve learned that practical application and experience does not mean much in this process, unfortunately. I wrongly believed that having a great extracurricular record would make up for a lower GPA. I came from a non-engineering major initially and wasn’t too concerned with GPA, then I become highly motivated to do well and in fact did well, but it has been slowly declining mainly with some struggles in Calculus and repeating I and II. I understand the remaining schools are more selective, with CSUN likely being the place to end up. My TAG with UCI is most likely ineligible due to GPA dropping below the requirement. CSUN is fine, but I feel like I could have transferred a year ago in that case. I stayed in community and took every required class, mind you, with over 100 units. I’ve been at community college for four years now (experimented with majors for one year) and then, CSUN? I’ve thought I should have chosen Manufacturing E. at SLO, or chosen some other schools like SJSU, CSULB and UCD that are less impacted. The California school system just has me extremely stressed out and there is nothing I can do but wait. CSUN is not far from where I am now, and I no longer want to live at home and do the commute routine. Its a safe option nonetheless, but what’s that saying about leaving your comfort zone? I’ve had multiple siblings go to SLO, and along with my parents telling me to stay positive, I really set myself up for disappointment when I got the rejection.
Hopefully you see where I’m coming from so far. I can wait it out, or be proactive and explore more options while waiting to hear back from the remaining schools. In the end, I want options. I know I may not go to a prestigious school, and that’s fine. I am motivated to get my degree, I even have a great internship, but I want that “college experience” I likely wont find at CSUN. I’ve lived in CA my entire life, and I like it, but I feel like I’m just not good enough for these schools. OOS is daunting, but I actually put in an application at Oregon State. OOS schools seem to have a more laxed application process to begin with. I also like Arizona, so I’m considering UofA, ASU, and NAU. I’d like to live on-campus, meet people, experience Greek life, and party and have fun on weekends. That also includes things to do other than partying. I am valuing location, campus life, on-campus living, and things to do in the area above the quality of the program. NAU looks great but I have read some negative things about the program. ASU and UofA were regarded as commuter schools. My question is listed above and is based on the criteria I covered.
- Off topic warning - Studying all through the weekend is not something I will look forward to or look back on in a good way. I understand how career building works, its all about communication, interview skills, and your career track record. My educational goal is really to get a bachelors and be done with it, I have no intentions of a masters. I'm still in community college and I'm already gaining manufacturing, designing, and CAD engineering experience over these 4.0, honors, study non-stop "engineers" that can't even explain in layman's terms how a car stops or give a presentation above a 3rd grade level, fidgeting, getting lost, etc. Are these really the type of engineers the future needs?