Dumb 17 year old with college questions

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Cassius, Aug 15, 2013.

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  1. Cassius

    Cassius New Member

    Hi all,

    I am a high school senior doing research for my college search, and I'm really in need of some direction. I know this isn't the exact nature of the forum, but I am hoping that somebody will be able to point me in the right direction at least.

    I'm not particularly interested in distance learning, but I was referred to this website because the forum denizens here are known for their expert knowledge regarding all sorts of college things. What I'm looking for are recommendations on good undergraduate degree programs in Environmental Science. I live in Oklahoma, and there honestly aren't that many great programs nearby. I know the west coast is chock full of them, but I just honestly don't know anything about them. I've been doing my own research for a while now, and a couple of names are popping out (CU-Boulder, Oregon State, etc.), but I could use some direction from someone with some expertise.

    My three largest concerns at this point are 1) quality of education 2) price and 3) quality of networking opportunities.

    If you fine people of the forum can help me, thank you very much! If this just isn't something you could assist with, I also understand. In that case, are there any other online resources you can recommend to assist me with my search for higher education?

    Thanks a lot,
    Cas
     
  2. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

  3. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

    OU and/or OSU don't have decent programs? Have you looked through all of OK's smaller state schools.

    I am a big fan of in-state tuition.

    Note - One of my master's is from OU and my wife is a UCO grad so I am also a fan of OK colleges.
     
  4. Cassius

    Cassius New Member

    OSU does have a broad Environmental Science program, but their concentrations are only in Policy, Natural Resource management, and Water Resources. While appealing, I think I'm looking for something more tech-oriented, or at least something with more of an alternative energy focus.

    As for OU, I know they have a large earth sciences program, but from what I understand from graduates is that it is largely petroleum based. Also, I don't think I could go there- while I don't have any beef with them, I'd be disowned by half my family!
     
  5. airtorn

    airtorn Moderator

  6. Cassius

    Cassius New Member

    I hadn't considered OSU-OKC, nor did I know the program existed. I'll look into it, thank you.

    Do you have any input on out of state schools? I'm willing to stay in state because I know that's where I'm going to get the best financial deal, but honestly I'd like to step outside of Oklahoma and see the rest of the world.
     
  7. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Duke and Vanderbilt have programs you might want to consider. I know they are pricey, but if you're willing to look out of state you might as well consider private schools as well and you may qualify for scholarships (I don't know your stats)?

    Nicholas School of the Environment — Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University

    Undergraduate Degrees - ENV and EOS — Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University

    http://www.vanderbilt.edu/ees/undergraduate.php

    And I'd be remiss not to mention my alma mater, Auburn University. It's not private, but with out-of-state rates it might as well be.

    http://bulletin.auburn.edu/undergraduate/collegeofagriculture/agronomyandsoilsagrn/environmentalscience_major/
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 15, 2013
  8. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    "My three largest concerns at this point are 1) quality of education 2) price and 3) quality of networking opportunities."

    I don't have any recommendation for you, but you might consider in-state school first. Nowadays, you should consider the price of higher education is number one concern, then quality second. Especially with high interest rate for student loans.
     
  9. Cassius

    Cassius New Member

    Oh hey, that Vanderbilt program does look quite nice. I will have to investigate further the costs that go with it. I have pretty good stats, with a bucketload of AP credits and a 30 on the ACT (I'm working to boost my math scores this time around, I'll get a 33 if I can raise them to the level of my English scores).
    That is also something to look for. My dad seems convinced I shouldn't take out student loans under any circumstances, and wants to pay out of pocket as much as possible.
     
  10. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    You're a high school student? Wow. Your post seems very mature. In any event, environmental fields are dominated by the west coast, so you're on the right track. If you don't want distance learning, you might have to move. College students do it all the time.
     
  11. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Dumb 17-year-old? Dumb? You seem like the smartest person of that age I have encountered in a long time! So you are actually smart and humble. Good combination.
     
  12. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    To the extent that anyone knows the answer to these sorts of questions take a shot at answering:

    Do you want to be living/working in Oklahoma 10 years from now?
    What sort of job do you imagine you'd like to be doing at that point?
    Do you think you'd have to earn a grad degree to get that job?

    It's a lot to ask of a 17 year old person but you seem to be a smart guy so why not take a shot at it? If you want to live in your home state then stick to an OK state school, even if it doesn't have the perfect concentration for you. The in-state tuition rate plus the networking will outweigh the difference in a concentration. Besides, you can always take a few extra courses either during your undergrad career or afterwards (because that's all a concentration means - it's just a few courses). If you think you will need to go to grad school in order to get the job you want then your undergrad concentration is probably less important. You focus on quality work, good grades and (in my own opinion) writing skills. Grad programs and careers that come after grad programs frequently put a premium on the ability to express yourself in writing in a clear, concise manner. I'm just sayin' . . .

    Also, you mentioned some interest in subjects such as alternative energy sources, etc. This starts to blend over into a slightly different discipline, Environmental Engineering. Take a minute and look at this from Worcester Polytech

    http://www.wpi.edu/academics/eve.html
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Aug 15, 2013
  13. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    If you don't like the program, that's one thing. But please tell me that you're kidding about the second part? Discounting one of the few major in-state schools available to you because of insipid college rivalries is unbelievably short-sighted. My eldest is just a year younger than you, and I promise you there's nowhere I wouldn't want him to go if it helped him reach his goals.
     
  14. RichC.

    RichC. Member

    Some families take these college rivals more serious than others.

    Not sure if engineering is up your alley but Penn State has an Energy Engineering program that looked interesting.

    Energy Engineering | Penn State John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
     
  15. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Three of the last things I would expect a "dumb" 17 year old to worry about. I wish I was as "dumb" as you when I was... well, 25 :pat:
     
  16. major56

    major56 Active Member

    It’s my view also that the OP does not at all write like a high school senior. Come on folks …? :suspect:
     
  17. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Are you saying that someone is not being 100% truthful on the Internet? :yikes: That's inconceivable!
     
  18. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    What's with you people? There's nothing implausible here; there are plenty of high school seniors who write like that!
     
  19. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

  20. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Are you saying that we can be unreasonable here? :yikes: That's inconceivable!
     

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