Studies in Texas (Austin, Tyler, College Station: dorms, transfer to, schools)

[MoxD]

Hello,
I am an international student from France and wishing to pursue College studies in the USA, I checked all that there were to check for (4year-universities, Community colleges...) and I found that studying in Texas was really cheap compared to other states. I first thought of studying directly at a 4y university in the field of engineering at TAMU or UT Austin but when looking at finances, the best option looked like community colleges. I started checking the transfer possibilities in engineering towards TAMU (really affordable) that has an big reputation in engineering (I'd like to study Nuclear Engineering). I found several c/c with housing availabilities such as Kilgore College, Tyler Junior College and Navarro College. But I am concerned with the education offered at T c/c, is it really possible to transfer to TAMU ? Or going to C/C is not the best idea?

Also with some opinions and some people experience, they did not recommend Texas, saying people are not open to cultural diversity and Texas people are really conservative and religion plays a big role (this is really scary !). I checked some C/C clubs and saw that there were a lot of "Jesus ...." clubs and all so that did not help.

So basically I would like to know what you think of what I have heard and what would you advice me to do? Come to Texas it's a great place to study ! or you'd better be off in Cal or an other state !

Thanks

[ripley]

If you have an interest in transferring from a community college to Texas A&M, you should investigate Blinn Junior College in Bryan. Bryan is next door to College Station and they have several programs designed to intertwine with the curriculum at A&M. You could actually work with the A&M advisors and take courses at both schools during a semester. Many students take this route. I am unsure about dormitory/housing options.

I am unsure of what your cultural views, religion, etc. are ... but it is likely that the issues some may encounter who have chosen the Texas community college route are more due to the small size of the towns than anything else. Kilgore and Corsicana are small and offer very little for students outside of the college. Tyler is quite a bit bigger and offers mcuh more, but it is no booming metropolis.

Courses at any Texas community college will transfer, but you would need to contact the A&M advisors and work with them to make sure what will count toward your intended major.

Yes, Texas as a whole is more conservative than many other states ... and Texas A&M is more conservative than many universities ... but unless you intend to stand on a street corner while waving a flag to promote your views, I don't believe there is an issue. It's not like all these "Jesus Clubs" you refer to stand around chanting and condemning anyone with an opposing view. A&M does has several quirks and traditions that are exclusive to their university though. You either love them or hate them, only you can make that call.

Contact an advisor at A&M and discuss your situation.

[MoxD]

I have a question regarding Navarro College in Corsicana. I understand the town is small but what about Navarro College campus ? Do a lot of student live on campus or is it like the majority of campus where they live off campus?
Also what about Navarro College academics? (I understand they have engineering agreements with TAMU like Blinn has) Are they good?
I am interested by Navarro College because of the cheap price to attend there, and also the agreements with TAMU.
Thanks

[Trainwreck20]

I do not know any real specifics about Navarro, but several things are fairly common to colleges like Navarro:
NC is a 'transfer' college, meaning a large percent of the students will transfer to a major university or obtain a 2-year technical degree. Also, many people choose this route since it is cheaper and/or more flexible scheduling. As such, there is not usually as much of a 'campus' lifestyle, since more people are older, more need to work while attending college, and many may see it only as a 'stop' on their way to their chosen college (e.g. TAMU).

That said, however, Navarro looks like it has an advantage over a typical junior college in that there is a fairly large main campus and there are on-campus dorms.

Have you looked into financial aid at some of the more expensive private universities? Many of them like to have a diverse student body and will issue grants or scholarships to encourage foreign students. I know that Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, used to hand out lots of money, so even though they were expensive without aid, it could be affordable. Of course, it is a parochial school. Generally speaking, East Texas tends to more conservative and 'faith based' than the rest of Texas.

[DSD330516]

Hey MoxD, I attend Midwestern State University and its a really great school. Its by far one of the cheapest universities out there. It also has a really good engineering program. Im not an engineering major but I know quite a few people who are. As far as religion being a big factor, it really insnt, at least not here. Yes al lot of people are conservative but I've managed to survive. Not only that but MSU looks for foreign students. The campus isnt extremely large but the school is growing. In an average class you can get anywhere from 20-1 student teacher ratio to 100/125-1. The classes are fairly small. Schools like UT are pretty big so if thats what you're looking for then yes UT is good and also Texas A&M is a well-known engineering school. The majority of the students are engineering majors. As far as California, school is super expensive and this is the boat I'm in right now. Not to mention the cost of living and the current housing market, OMG! Looking to transfer out there soon but I think I want to get 4-year degree first...so confused about it right now. But I hope this has helped you.