The Premiere Four

After just a few weeks of intense research, comparing, contrasting, reviewing, analyzing and evaluating (as much as one can do via the internet), I have finally comprised my list of four schools which I will apply to in the Spring of 2011. I have listed them in order from my premiere choice to my last choice. My overall decisions were based again, on location, transfer guidelines, curriculum, degree programs, rankings according to both US News & World Report and Forbes. The final four are:

1.) University of Pennsylvania

2.) Johns Hopkins

3.) Columbia University

4.) University of Chicago

I plan to visit the first three school during spring break of 2010.

'The King of the Jungle' Has Returned

This Ivy League school has returned to my list of viable contenders for possible application. Initially, I removed the school without sufficient information regarding their transfer policy and financial aid. However, after a thorough review, the school has what they call 'blind-need', in which consideration and acceptance of applicants is not based on their financial situation. If a student is admitted to the university and demonstrates financial need, Columbia will meet the need 100% for the duration of a students undergraduate degree. Pretty impressive, I think.

Philadelphia, Proper.

Due to the removal of several schools, based on their location, I've added two more schools within the heart of Philly. This brings my school count to four schools just within one city. These institutions are noted for their research, particularly in the sciences and medical fields. So, in addition to the University of Pennsylvania (my premiere choice within Philadelphia) and Philadelphia Univesity, the newest extensions are Drexel University and University of the Sciences in Philadelphia. The more options, the better--right?

Omitted Schools

The following schools have been omitted, largely due to their general location. Undoubtedly, they are incredible schools, however, I am looking for more of an urban setting, as oppose to more rural or suburban environments without close proximity to a neighboring city.

♦University of Delaware
♦ Pennsylvania State University
♦Cornell University
♦Princeton University
♦University of Maryland at Baltimore

My Top Four--Already?

This post goes back to my original post: Location, Location, Location. In doing my research over the past few days and weeks, everything from comparing national rankings, enrollment rate, tuition & fees, to which schools have Greek life on campus, an attractive curriculum, and campus life. I think I forgot, however, one of the most integral aspects to my search: location. While I have not physically visited any of my potential campuses, I've viewed their websites and watched their virtual video tours. At the end of the day, my curriculum is equally as important as my location. I'm a city boy and really want to be in a thriving city. I must be near water, be exposed to brutal winters, cool autumns and have access to mass transit. With this said, the schools that I will make an effort to visit in the spring of next year are:

University of Pennsylvania
Johns Hopkins University
Columbia University
University of Chicago

The idea of having a traditional college experience nestled in a dynamic, urban environment really speaks out to me. In fact, the first three schools listed are probably the official schools I will prepare to apply for in the fall of next year, with an anticipated acceptance time frame around late spring 2010. The remaining schools are still viable candidates, but my focus is not heavily centered on those any longer.

The Divine 9. Farewell, NYU

There is a certain amount of closure that comes with removing a school from my list. Probably because it's one step closer to reaching the top four schools that I will visit, apply to, and ultimately enroll at in the fall of 2011. There were several factors that aided in my decision to remove this prestigious school. Those factors were overall cost of tuition, lack of scholarships, especially for transfer students and merit, a fairly 'abstract' approach to transfer students and personally, for me, the location. While NYU is indicative to New York and synonymous with prestigious education, I really don't foresee myself in New York--not yet. At this juncture, the only way I would even consider applying to this school would be entirely based on confident acceptance and an absolute scholarship/grant. Perhaps this institution will return to my Graduate list of schools when I start my search for medical schools. For 'the city that never sleeps', I'll just have to hit the snooze button on NYU...for now.

It Just Keeps Getting Better!

So it seems I've made a sufficient dent in the arduous task of compiling a list of schools that have piqued my interest, heavily based on their geographic location, acceptance rate and how close their curriculum parallels current/proposed courses I'm taking. What about money? While getting admitted to the school of my choice is certainly a feat in itself, I must consider costs. I don't have the luxury of relying on my parents, since I am now officially considered an independent. And I can deal with that--I haven't relied on my parents for anything except an occassional phone call in almost five years now. I digress, however. So how, then, do I plan on paying for school? Exceptional grades, an impeccable GPA, near flawless transcript are all variables that weigh heavy in simply being eligible for few merit scholarships and grants. Let's not forget the good old Federal Stafford Loan, which definitely helps, but it MUST be repaid at some point. And here I thought my discouragement would come from not having a stellar GPA or outstanding letters of recommendation. Well, I just so happen to stumble across a flyer at my current school. What got my attention was the bold-faced text that read "Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Program". There I stood, skimming over the flyer, getting the information I needed and within a few types in my browser, BINGO! There actually is a foundation called the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. This program is especially for students currently enrolled in community colleges (as myself) who are looking to transfer to 4-year universities to complete their baccalaureate degree. While amounts vary, the award maximum is worth up to $30,000 per year. This is just one more little piece of icing-on-the-cake that reassures me that everything will work out if I just put the time and effort in to it! Cheers.

School of the Week (Ending 11/28/09) The George Washington University

The second school in the series of the School of the Week is the George Washington University. One of the oldest schools in the country and the largest school in the District of Columbia, this school is definitely on my radar. Although it is the furthest south, location wise, this school actually is in a prime location. Located in the heart of the nation's capital, this school also has a very attractive scholarship and financial assistance program. According to US News & World Report, the school ranks No. 53 in the country (out of 100) and also landed a score of 53%. While statistics label GWU more selective in admittance, as of Fall 2008, the school boasted an incredible 37.4% acceptance rate. Tuition and fees totaled $39,945 and the school had an enrollment of almost 6,000 undergraduates. This school certainly garners my attention for the week and I will absolutely research it a little more closely.

...And Then There Were 1O. Farewell, Princeton.

Part of doing this blog is, of course, doing extensive research on potential schools. My research entales everything from admission requirements, tuition and fees, fraternity chapters, to intended majors and minors, scholarship information and student life. It really is becoming more of a 'trial and error' experience. With that said, Princeton University will no longer be considered for possible matriculation regarding my baccalaureate degree. Currently, the institution has a 'no transfer policy' when it pertains to current students who are enrolled at another institution of higher learning. I am, however, not discouraged, as I have several comparable schools that will 'replace' this 'Alpha of the the Ivy Leagues'. One down and ten to go.

School of the Week (Ending 11/28/09): Princeton University

The second school in my series of School of the Week, is none other than one of the most noted, private, Ivy League institutions in the country: Princeton University. It comes in at No. 1 and scores an impressive 100% (also tied with Harvard University), according to US News & World Report. Estimated tuition and fees for the 2009-2010 school year totals $35,340. Enrollment for the year is 7,497 and the school has a competetive acceptance rate of just under 10% (9.9% to be accurate).

**Although this school is no longer in the running due to their admissions policy, this post will remain for supplemental information. A new School of the Week will be posted by the end of 11/23/09**

Official Amendment to School List

After careful consideration, I have decided to remove two of the current thirteen schools on my list. The decision was merely based on location. As I stated in my Location post, I really want to attend a school nestled in an urban setting. I want the hustle and bustle of a city--the noise, the people going in every direction imaginable--the subway! Another important factor for me is also water. The more water I'm around, the better. So, with this said, I must bid farewell to the great Cornell University and Lincoln University. I think my recent addition of the University of Chicago balances out the loss of these two amazing schools. Two down, ten more to go!

Spring '1O Class Schedule

The Spring '1O semester starts on Tuesday, January 2Oth, 2010. I avoided the hassle of long lines and coveted classes filling up and have successfully registered for the Spring semester. I'm eager to get classes underway, especially because of the weight that these classes will have on my transcript and their transfer credibility.


Spring 2010 Class Schedule:

BIOL 1406-5111
ENGL 1301-5016
PSYC 2301-5001
HIST 1301-5002
MATH 1401-5012


It appears to be a full course load, but when it's all said and done, I will have accumulated 16 credit hours towards transferring. Without regard to my current classes, I will need a minimum of roughly 13 credit hours more to satisfy most schools transfer requirements. These credits can be satisfied with a possible summer school session in summer of '1O and definitely in the fall of 2010.

Lucky Number 13!

I made one small amendment and one large addition to my list. This school ranks No. 8 in the nation, according to US News, has a score of 93, and has an acceptance rate just under 28%. This is the University of Chicago.

This Just In: Best Schools for Out-of-State Students

US News has just compiled a list which will be in the 2010 edition of America's Best Colleges. The schools on this list are the top public universities for out-of-state students. Two of the schools that I am considering actually made this list! Those schools are University of Delaware, with an overall national ranking of 28 (according to America's Best Colleges 2010), and a 64% enrollment rate of undergraduates out-of-state. The second school is Pennsylvania State University-University Park, which ranks no. 15 nationally and has average enrollment rate of 25% out-of-state undergraduates. It's reassuring to know that I'm on the right track. So far, so good!

UPenn Official Transfer Guide

I've been reviewing my Transfer Guide from UPenn and I must admit that transferring to this particular school doesn't seem as daunting as I initially thought. I scoured the general requirements for Penn's College of Arts & Sciences and I feel better prepared as to what I need to do before I apply. In addition to the classes that I select now, I also must strive for an impeccable GPA. The ideal goal is at least a cumulative 3.0, however, I want to maintain a minimal 3.5 GPA. Another bit of information of me to consider is deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. If Fall 2011 is my intended start month, then I must apply for September admissions by March 15th, 2011. I can apply as early as January 1st, 2011. Decisions will be released beginning in mid-May. At least one full year of transferable academic coursework (8 semester courses) must be completed by the close of the spring term prior to the September of anticipated enrollment at Penn.

School of the Week (Ending 11/22/09): University of Pennsylvania

This is the first school in the series School of the Week in which I randomly select one of the twelve schools on my list. I will include statistics provided by US News & World Report on overall school rank on a national scale (1-100), score (0 out of 100) current cost of attendance, tuition and fees, enrollment figures and aggregate acceptance rate.

RANK4	University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, PA
93	2009-2010 Tuition and Fees: $38,970	19,018	16.9%

Ivy League vs. Private/Public

Of the twelve schools on my list, there is about a 1:2 ratio of Ivy League to non-Ivy schools. The official Ivy Leagues are: Cornell, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania & Princeton. Comparable 'non-official' Ivy League schools include Johns Hopkins, Lincoln University and Pennsylvania State. NYU, George Washington University are equally as reputable as the preceding schools and University of Maryland, University of Delaware and Philadelphia University are viable schools that have strong connections with some of the most competitive medical schools in the country. Regardless of which school I actually end up matriculating to, any of these will be stellar entries on my transcript and will greatly enhance my chances of being admitted to the graduate/medical school of my choice. Just food for thought for me.

The Top 12 Are:

This is my official list of schools that I am considering. They are listed by location--the farthest being in Upstate NY, down to the southern-most school ending in DC.

NY State:
Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
NYC:
New York University/NYU, New York, NY
Columbia University, New York, NY
NJ:
Princeton University, Princeton, NJ
DE:
University of Delaware, Newark, DE
PA:
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA
Pennsylvania State, University Park, PA
Lincoln University, Oxford, PA
MD:
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
University of Maryland at Baltimore, Baltimore, MD
DC:
George Washington University, Washington, DC

**(Cornell University & Lincoln University are no longer a part of this list. However, the University of Chicago has been added in lieu of these.)**

Location, Location, Location!

I have successfully compiled a list of roughly eleven schools that have peaked some sort of interest. My first and main criteria for choosing these eleven was based merely on geographical location. The states I'm looking to relocate to are in no particular order: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Maryland and District of Columbia. The bulk of the schools are in PA. The remaining schools are in the general area. The more and more I look at the state of Pennsylvania, the more alluring it looks to me--especially because it is aptly located in the center of NY and the DC area.