Expert: Bruce - 7/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: HI,
I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED AT GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY AND UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO AND I'M TRYING NOW TO DECIDE BETWEEN THEM.NEITHER ONE OF THEM IS MY DREAM COLLEGE SO I WAS THINKING I COULD GO TO ONE OF THEM IN THE 1ST SEMESTER THEN TRANSFER TO ANOTHER UNIVERSITY IN THE 2ND SEMESTER.MY QUESTION IS:
WHICH UNIVERSITY (GMU OR UTORONTO) WILL MAKE THE TRANSITION PROCESS EASIER OR MORE SUCCESSFUL?
THANKS,
HASHEM

ANSWER: Hashem,

You could certainly take that approach - transferring in mid year. Keep in mind that since you will not have a college record yet (when you apply) that admission decision will rest entirely on your high school work. So, if the school you want to attend has already said no, one semester at college won't help.

If, on the other hand, you know what school you want to attend and have not yet applied - why not see if they have any space now for fall. Sometimes students change plans and leave openings in a freshman class.

Of the two schools you list - if you are only going for a semester I would base the decision on cost and convenience. Again, your high school record is going to be the big factor in your transfer.

I hope this helps.

Bruce

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thanks,
I havent't decided which university i want to transfer to yet.you said that some universities might have some openings for the the fall semester but wouldn't they use the waitlist?besides,i'm an international student so even if they accepted my application it would be nearly impossible to review my application and send me the I-20 for the visa in time.
My plan for now is to choose between the two universities,then do the whole college-hunting process and
find the "closest to Perfect" college and apply for it for the winter semester(because i'm not really in love with these 2 schools). although i know once i get there and start to make some friends and settle i would chicken-out from transferring(that of course if i know myself well enough)
anyways,wish me luck,
Hashem.  

Answer
Hashem,

I didn't realize that you are an international student- in which case to would be too late to change gears for this fall, as you suggest.

My suggestion between the 2 schools on your list is the University of Toronto. I live in Western New York, so I've been to Toronto and know many people who spend time there. Toronto is considered a world class city, with a diverse population, strong culture, good public transportation and a clean, safe environment. Plus, Canadian universities are generally considered to be excellent schools. It's also a good jumping off point for visits to US locales, especially the eastern US (New York, Niagara Falls, Boston, etc)

Anyway, best wishes to you. I'm sure that you will do well.

Bruce