Help- Currently enrolled at 4 year university, but I want to go to a Community College

Transfer Students
1

Hi (btw sorry didn’t know what topic to put this under)
Okay so basically, I am currently enrolled at Colorado State University, and I started just a few weeks ago. I am from California, and chose CSU because of their pre-vet/zoology programs. Academically so far, I have been doing well, but emotionally I have taken a nosedive. In these past few weeks, I have cried probably more than I have in my entire life. I realize that I made a big mistake in coming to CSU. There is nothing wrong with the school itself (It is actually very nice, I enjoy the campus, the people, the classes etc.) but, I realize it’s not right for the future I envision for myself.
I came under the realization during summer (having already committed to CSU, my other options being UC Riverside, UC Davis, Cal Poly Pomona, etc) that I wanted to go the pre-med route rather than the pre-vet route, which is initially why I chose CSU in the first place. I know I didn’t really have a choice because I already committed to CSU, and the deadline to enroll/register for my other colleges had long passed.
After being here, I truly just realize that this school is not going to get me to where I want to be. I want to attend a UC medical school in the future, and my best chance of that happening is if I graduate with my bachelors from a UC school. Unfortunately, the likelihood of me either A: transferring to a UC as a junior from CSU or B: getting into a UC Medical School from CSU , is very unlikely. Yes, it is possible, however very unlikely.
After doing lots of research, UC campuses take over 90% of their transfer students directly from California Community Colleges. I want the best chance I can get at attending a UC Medical School in the future, and I believe I can increase my chances immensely if I come from a UC.
Now here is my dilemma. Does it make sense for me to leave Colorado State right now (would be now because I would still be able to withdraw without paying tuition/getting any permanent marks on my record) and attend my local community college beginning in the spring (Fall admissions has already closed), in hopes to transfer to a UC after that. If I return home now, I would enroll in an EMT program and get my EMT certification to be able to work throughout school.
I would love some advice as I am extremely overwhelmed and stressed out because I need to make this decision ASAP, and this decision will change my life.

Sorry if this is unclear or disorganized, I have been a mess these past few days trying to figure this out, so If anything needs to be answered, feel free to ask.

Thanks guys.

2

Tomorrow morning, run, do not walk, to the counseling center on campus, and get help working through all of this.

Yes, if you can withdraw without having generated any academic transcript, and without owing this university or the federal government any money, then doing that right now might be your best option. However, you must be very careful to do that exactly as required by the university. Failing in any detail can leave you with a transcript full of W or F grades, and bills for tuition, fees, housong, meals, etc. That is why you have to start at the counseling center.

If you can’t get your money back, your best plan might be to stay where you are, focus on getting excellent grades, and transferring to the CC for second semester. That option is OK too. Explore it with the counselor when you meet with them.

3

On campus counseling is a great idea. What you are feeling is completely natural and - trust me - you aren’t alone.

I’d encourage you to stay put for the full school year and really make the most of your experience. Join clubs, go to dorm movie nights, spend time in the common areas on-campus and in the dorm. Seriously, give it the ‘college try’ If you still hate is come May, you can certainly go to a CC in CA, then transfer elsewhere.