I can take the SAT in January if it’s absolutely necessary.
I have a GED, scored a perfect 800 on one section if that helps
College Sophomore on the Dean’s List (3.5 gpa)
Phi Theta Kappa eligible
Decent extra circular activities, involved on campus. No research or publications, though.
I do not have a college fund or anything like that. Parents will cosign on loans, but colleges that can afford to give larger grants are ideal.
Illinois resident, I DO NOT want to continue my education in Chicago. I will have at least 53 credits by the end of next semester/to transfer for fall 2014.</p>
<p>Basically, I really want to double major in Forensic Science and Art History, with a minor in Anthropology, or double in FS/Anthro with an Art History minor. The college match tool on here suggested Virginia Commonwealth University. I know that George Mason University is also a good possibility, and I love the idea of being close to the place where I hope to work after college. Hofstra, Syracuse and Pace were also suggested, along with Penn State (too big, I think) and Elizabethtown College. Any other suggestions? Oh, I’m a traditional transfer, and a minority. I wish this was enough to make me Ivy material, but I know being realistic is important.</p>
<p>How much can your parents pay? Something? Nothing?</p>
<p>Rethink those potential co-signed loans. If your parents can’t pay for college now, what makes you think they will qualify for those loans or be able to pay them off if you can’t do that because you don’t end up with a good enough job? Look for somewhere where you won’t need to borrow more than the federal loan limit because those loans would only be your responsibility.</p>
<p>It looks like you are at a community college. Go spend some time with the Transfer Advisor. Find out where students with your grades and financial issues have been admitted recently, and whether those places proved to be affordable. Going across the country, or even out of Chicago might not be possible just yet. If you can finish your degree affordably there, do that. Then move.</p>
<p>None of the Ivies offer Forensic Science. However, the highly ranked private schools are the ones most likely to give need-based aid to transfers. If you would prefer a high-caliber university if you could get in (sounds like you would), then do plan to take the SAT. Most highly selective universities will require it even of junior transfers. You might have a shot with a 3.5, especially if you can bring that up this semester.</p>
<p>happymomof1 - The only college that offers Forensic Science here is Loyola. That campus is way too far to commute every single day, which means I would have to live on campus. If I’m going to face debt upon graduation, I should at least be able to experience life outside of the Chicago bubble for that price. College has been free for me so far, so I feel like any loans will be manageable. My parents can pay the EFC? And I do not receive financial aid now, if that helps you to imagine my family’s financial bracket. </p>
<p>Also, my school does not have transfer advisors. This is why I came here for ideas! </p>
<p>Hanna - If I could be accepted as a transfer to an Ivy, it might make sense to accomplish as much as possible with an Anthropology major, then figure out the Forensic Science part after. That may have been a more realistic goal before I was home-schooled, though. So thank you! I feel like I have material - to say the least - for my essay and supplemental materials. If any of the colleges I apply to are looking for an honest story, I have one. Getting is based on academics alone is my goal, though. Since Forensic Science isn’t as popular in undergrad, I appreciate all suggestions!</p>
No it does not help. Have you asked your parents how much they are prepared to pay? As a junior you can only borrow $7500 for school. The schools you list will be expecting you to pay full freight. How can you afford that? What about a school like SIU?</p>
<p>Erin’s Dad - I will be taking out the full amount of loans, if that’s what it takes. Private loans too. SIU only has a Forensic Science minor. I just provided those schools as a reference point. The purpose of creating this thread was to see if anyone on the big ol’ internet could provide insight strictly from an academic perspective. I have discussed finances with all of my family, so I didn’t think it was necessary to tell the entire internet how much money I have. Thank you, though. </p>
<p>I’m not saying that money isn’t a concern, but I know that my extended family will make it possible to attend the best school that I am admitted to. I just want suggestions. Literally, all I need is ideas of colleges with strong Anthropology programs. Bonus points if Forensic Science is offered as a major, too.</p>