<p>I'm currently a freshman at Penn State with honors scholarship, but I never had much interest in attending the school (it's in the middle of nowhere) and I always wanted to go to a city so I could enjoy its "culture." Plus, the stereotype of Penn State's students is pretty much dead-on, even in the honors college. In the end of last year Penn State honors was my best offer, but had I been accepted to any Ivy or similar school my parents would have paid for it.</p>
<p>My stats put me up as a somewhat likely candidate for Penn, but my parents are giving me the hardest time with my request to transfer. They don't understand that I'd like to experience more of a challenge academically and socially, plus take advantage of Philadelphia's burgeoning culture. Because they're being so anal about me transferring, I will not have the opportunity to visit the school before applying (which makes it really hard to write a "Why Penn?" essay, but that's another thread), although I am very much in love with the city of Philadelphia.</p>
<p>Basically, my question is: out of all you transfer students, did any of you have trouble convincing your parents that transferring was the correct route for you? How did you do it?</p>
<p>Write them a well thought out letter listing the reasons why you want to transfer and what the future benefits are. I am sure your parents only want you to be successful and they are afraid of "rocking the boat" so speak.</p>
<p>Sjow them you an adult capable of making an informed decision...if that doesn't work, threaten to burn their house down. =P</p>
<p>From the few months I spent living in philly, I'm sure that there's a train from where you're at using septa, its your life man, go visit for yourself, although I doubt a visit will make that much of a difference in your essay. If your parents were supportive of an ivy league school before then they should be the same of an ivy league now. Just let them know how much it matters to you. Again, its your life. I suppose if they flat out said they wouldnt pay youd be in a tough spot, but just talk to them.</p>
<p>I understand what you're saying, but how hard can it be to visit? Is there a train that travels there? Got any buddies who might want to drive you up there? Drive yourself?</p>
<p>Hey guys...wow, thanks for your quick responses. I didn't expect anybody to actually read what I wrote. Exilio- thanks for the idea. I hadn't thought of a letter before, but I think I will try that now, or, perhaps after I am accepted (assuming I am), trying to convince them to help me pay for Penn.</p>
<p>I also think I will take a visit myself. I was being stupid when I said I wouldn't be able to visit.</p>
<p>if there's a specific degree you're interested in at penn it shouldn't be that difficult, for me, i am interested in the product design emphasis in mech. engr. and by explaining that my current university doesn't offer what i need to be where i need to be, it wasn't that bad convincing them.</p>
<p>Im in the same situation. My parents made me go to the school im at and now they just give me this look when i talk to them about transferring. I tried to explain to them that im just not happy at the school im at, it was never my choice to go there, and i dont know how i can keep going there. Eventually they told me that they are not happy with me transfering but they will help me if thats what I really want. I just have a quick question about penn state, if im transfering there from another school after my freshman year can I go to university park or do I have to go to one of the other campuses? Someone told me i couldnt go to the main campus as a freshman transfer.</p>