Better college + less convenient or inverse?

In summary, the individual is about to complete their undergraduate degree in electrical engineering with a 4.0 GPA from a local university and is receiving a scholarship of 20k/year. They are considering whether to use their high scores to apply to a higher ranked school for their master's degree, potentially incurring debt and leaving their comfortable living situation, or to stay at their current university. They also mention that their last semester of their bachelor's degree will also count towards their master's degree, so leaving would delay their graduation by 9 hours. Some advice is given to apply to graduate schools with tuition waivers and stipends and to choose a program that interests them.
  • #1
tedbradly
85
1
I'm about to get my degree in electrical engineering with a 4.0 from utk (ranked maybe 70 in ee). Further, since it is a local university, I'm getting paid 20k/yr through scholarships for my bs and may be able to land a similar situation for my ms, i.e. no debt.

Should I use my scores to try for a better ranked ee college for my ms (probably going into debt instead of being paid and definitely leaving the comfort of my home) or should I stay where I am now?

On top of this, my last BS semester will be with 9 hours of MS (I'll have no other classes to take). Thus, by leaving, I will delay my attainment of an MS by 9 hr.

What do you guys think?
 
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  • #2
Well, with a gpa like that, (and hopefully some research or something) you should be able to get into a grad school somewhere that offers a tuition waiver and stipend I would think. That would be a way to finish out your education without debt. You should go to grad school somewhere that has a program that interests you.
 

FAQ: Better college + less convenient or inverse?

What are the benefits of attending a better college even if it is less convenient?

Attending a better college can provide numerous benefits such as a higher quality education, more opportunities for networking and career advancement, and a prestigious degree that can open doors to better job prospects.

Is it worth sacrificing convenience for a better college?

This depends on your individual priorities and goals. While a better college may offer more opportunities, it may also come with added challenges and sacrifices in terms of location and commute. It is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

How can I make the most out of attending a less convenient college?

There are several ways to make the most out of attending a less convenient college. You can utilize your commute time for studying or networking, take advantage of online resources and virtual networking opportunities, and make connections with your classmates and professors to build a strong support system.

Are there any alternatives to attending a better college if it is not convenient?

Yes, there are several alternatives to attending a better college that is not convenient for you. These include attending a community college for the first two years and then transferring to a better college, taking online courses from reputable institutions, or pursuing internships and other hands-on learning opportunities to supplement your education.

How can I determine if the benefits of attending a better college outweigh the inconvenience?

To determine if the benefits of attending a better college outweigh the inconvenience, consider your long-term goals, the reputation and ranking of the college, the quality of education, and the potential opportunities for networking and career advancement. You can also speak with current students and alumni to get their perspectives on the college's impact on their career paths.

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