Dumb 17 year old with college questions

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

 

I can't imagine Oklahoma State's program isn't a good one:

Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources

Good luck!

 

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.

 

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!

 

Have you considered starting out somewhere like OSU-OKC? A program like this might fill your green energy interests.

 

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.

 

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/

 

"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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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