I’m a freshman at Providence College thinking about transferring to Northeastern University next fall. It’s not that I dislike PC, I do like it, but I don’t love it. I also feel like the core curriculum (a 2 year program on the Development of Western Civilization) is extremely restricting in terms of double majoring and finding time to study abroad.
Some of my problems with transferring are: my dad went to PC and absolutely loves the fact that I go here, I’m getting a pretty decent scholarship here at PC, and the people/faculty here make me feel like I’m part of a family.
My reasons for transferring are: the restricting core curriculum, the small feel of the school, Providence is a much smaller city than Boston (I love Boston), the lack of diversity (I feel like everyone is the same here), the religious aspect of the school (there is one club in particular that has a differing political/moral view than the school and it is legitimately banned from campus), and finally Northeastern has a fantastic co-op program that would give me real world experience. Northeastern is in the perfect spot in Boston, it has the co-op program, it’s better ranked than PC and also it has an amazing alumni network.
I know this is a bit of a jumbled paragraph but if someone could give me some insight on whether or not they think I should transfer that would be great. No matter what I want to stay here at PC for a full year, because I came in thinking this school would be amazing. Even though the school isn’t everything I was hoping for it does hold a special place in my heart as the first school I really liked and felt like I could see myself at. I really want to live in a larger, fast paced city with lots of things going on and many different schools with diverse people. PC just doesn’t offer that to me and I don’t want to wait until I’ve graduated college to live in Boston. I believe I am ready for the next step that Northeastern will give to me, but I’m still hesitant. Please give me some advice on what I should do.
You need to find out from your family about the money situation. If you transfer, will they still pay for your education? What is the budget like?
If they are willing to pay for a place that isn’t PC, then go ahead and apply for transfer. If you are admitted elsewhere, and the financial aid package looks decent, then that would be the time to decide whether or not to transfer out of PC.