Disastrous First Year of College Due To Mental Health and the Effect On Transfer Chances?

My freshman year of college was an absolute disaster. I don’t mean, “I got a C or two and my life is over,” I really mean horrific. My first semester, I barely passed one class, out of 19 credits, and this semester isn’t looking much different.

I had a good overall high school experience and I made pretty decent grades (3.5 weighted GPA). I scored well on tests (1300 New SAT and 28 ACT), passed all 7 AP exams, was involved in my community and doing sports and clubs. I went through a traumatic event over winter break of my senior year, causing my grades to tank and my drive to succeed to be dramatically altered. I didn’t tell anyone and chalked it up to senioritis. I was accepted to University of Connecticut and attended for my first year, which is now almost over. I became extremely depressed and anxious and struggled with going to classes, and was sick constantly the first semester. I was diagnosed with PTSD and depression right after this winter break, and through multiple therapy sessions found that the traumatic event was the thing which prevented me from attending classes. Medication and group therapy has helped me to begin my recovery but it is too late to salvage this semester.

I’m wondering how much of an effect my first year grades might have when I’m looking to transfer, or if most schools are okay with taking high school transcripts when there aren’t enough credits to establish me as a full year completed. I don’t know if anyone else has suffered through a similar situation, and if there are any resources available to help me. I’m aware I will enter as a freshman and I’m hoping to transfer at the beginning of the next spring semester. I’m searching for more urban campuses and I would like to stay in the Southeast, since my family is based in North Carolina. I’d love some recommendations for schools which are realistic for me, with a good criminal justice/pre-law program. If you can help me with even a small bit of this I would be so grateful!

Thank You!

Transferring anywhere other than a community college is going to be difficult with this bad year. How are things going for you this semester? Will you be asked to leave U Conn, or would you be able to return for the next year? That could be your best option.

If your therapist advises that you stick closer to home, then think about taking a year off from college altogether while you work out the best way to deal with your PTSD. There is no reason to feel that you have to be in college full time right now.

Wishing you all the best!