Expert: Bruce - 10/23/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hi,
I'm an international student.
I’m attending university in the U.S., and trying to transfer other universities.

My current GPA is 3.94 and intended major is International Relations or global studies.
I've been looking for schools but it’s really difficult.

I have few questions:

1. I already applied Penn State U and U of Minnesota. Is there possibility that I could get permission those schools? I don’t know anything about transfer. I’ve only tried to get a good GPA.

2. I wanna stay and get a job in the US; however, since I’m an international student, it’s hard to get a job. So, just in case, I have to go back to my country, I should attend somewhat famous schools (I know it sucks, but that’s a reality in my country). But I’m afraid that I couldn’t keep up with very high level universities. And for the safe, I want to apply school which has good IR program but not very competitive. Money is an issue, too. Can you give me some recommendation for universities? Plus, I don’t have TOEFL score. I’ve attended university for 2-year.

3. I’m thinking to apply SUNY either Binghamton or Geneseo. Which one would be a better choice for me?


I’m just so confused what should I do.
Please give me some advice. Thank you : )


ANSWER: Jieun,

I have a couple questions for you -

what type of work would you like to do eventually?

Was your secondary education completed in English?

Are you dissatisfied with your present school?  Are you presently at a 2 or 4 year college?

Are you thinking of attending graduate school?

You have a very good GPA right now - why are you worried about succeeding at another school? You seem like a bright and motivated student.

I can advise you more once I hear back on those, but I can tell you for now that Geneseo and Binghamton are both considered excellent schools.  Have you thought about completing your education at your present school and staying on in the US for a master's degree - if your grades remain strong you may be able to get an assistanship that would cover your costs, or at least a good portion of them.

Hope this helps. I'll wait to hear back from you.

Bruce



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

QUESTION: Hi, Bruce.
Thank you for your answer : )

My goal is working at the UN or for the world. It's just big big dream. but i'm trying ; )

and for the second question, no.
I attended the secondary education in Korea, of course with Korean.
I came in the U.S. 2005 summer. I took language course for half year and enrolled university.

I'm attending 4-year university in LA. it's small school and I like environment here, but my school doesn't have IR which I really wanna study in. before I came here, I planned to attend 2-year and transfer to other school.

I'm thinking to go graduate school, as well.

I was thinking to remain here, but my parents don't want to also I want to move other school for my future.

Again, thanks for answer and I'm looking forward another good answer.
Thanks : 0

Jieun.

Answer
As far as transfer goes, if you want to do it, this is the best time. Your high GPA will earn you scholarships. You could start applying now for entry to a new school next fall. But, I would not transfer out of your present school any later than the end of your sophomore year.

You seem interested in the East Coast. Binghamton and Geneseo are both good schools. I am also familiar with Houghton College in western NY. Its a small Christian school with an IR program, a strong international flavor on campus and a great record of placing students in good grad programs. If the Christian aspect is fine with you, I think it would be worth a look. HC has decent scholarships, too.

It might not be a bad idea to start looking at grad school in the NY City area and see if any have internships at the UN. Also see if your home country has any kind of program that can help you get some experience there, or in a similar setting.

As for your English, it seems pretty decent but I would continue to work on that through schooling and self study and take the TOEFL next year. It may be necessary for grad school.

Hope this helps.

Bruce