Hi all,
Forgive me if I am somewhat vague or wordy, this is my first time using College Confidential and I have a certain scenario I’d like insight on.
I recently graduated with an associates in C.S from New York City College of Technology with a 3.8 GPA.
I was accepted for transfer into UMich’s LSA program for Computer Science with a decent scholarship that eases my financial concerns with the OOS tuition. However, I also have an option to attend CUNY City College’s Grove School of Engineering on a full ride for C.S. In addition, I was able to secure a great internship at a very prestigious financial firm being a technology intern and will be able to continue the internship until my bachelor’s completion (where there is the chance of being hired full time after). I’m finding it difficult to justify leaving both these advantages for a greater college experience at U of M.
The internship gives me the on field work many c.s majors need plus free college, but I feel that UMich is a once in a lifetime experience I won’t get again (and there’s the chance I can obtain another internship). I’ve also received a lot of discouragement from friends and family and even a mentor 25 years in the industry who said many of the lessons provided by institutions can be self taught or what truly matters are the projects and places you’ve worked at versus the quality of a degree.
Regardless, UMich still has my heart, I’d rather be there over Grove School (but I am fearful to leave what I have already established). I’m stuck thinking what’s worth compromising (the potential career or the once in a lifetime educational experience). Thanks!