<p>I've noticed there are a lot of students that will be freshman this fall (or worse, high school seniors) that are already considering transferring. I was that student too, and after two full years at a university I never wanted to go to for a single day, I have some advice for those of you in this position:</p>
<p>Whether you stay one semester or four, just give the college or university a chance. While I was pretty correct in predicting I wasn't at the right school, I didn't give anything (or anyone) a chance. My freshman year was pretty miserable, as I didn't join any clubs/activities and didn't make many friends. Even though I went into sophomore year planning to transfer the following fall, I got more involved, made more friends and was generally happier. Just make the best of a less than ideal situation.</p>
<p>I also found that going to a school that I didn't like helped me do the best I could academically. Rather than moping, realize you still have a chance to go where you want if you stay focused on your work. This is especially important if you had to pass up your dream schools due to a less than perfect high school record or if you simply fell slightly short despite a good GPA/SATs/etc.</p>
<p>If you do decide to transfer after all, DO IT FOR THE RIGHT REASON(S). Don't feel the need to transfer to another school because your girlfriend/boyfriend or friend(s) from high school went there. I know this is something tough to deal with, but transferring should be YOUR decision, not someone else's.</p>
<p>When I realized at the end of my senior year of high school that I had to go my last choice school after getting into my top two (without financial aid...), I felt pretty hopeless. Now, a little more than two years later, I've found my true academic passion (albeit after applying to the transfer schools...) and will be transferring this fall.</p>
<p>Bottom line - just realize, that if you're in this position, it's not the end of world, just a small road block.</p>