Help on how to move forward

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Chicago ✅
1

<p>Ok. So I've been struggling a bit with UChi and I just need some advice.</p>

<p>I'm just gonna dump my thoughts here so it may be long, but I just need some help.</p>

<p>I'm gonna be a second year at UChicago. When I was applying to colleges I was debating between UChicago and UIUC (the former for physics, the latter for engineering).</p>

<p>UChicago came out cheaper (due to scholarships) and it is more prestigious. Based on that, and I did visit campus, and it seemed like a nice place to be, I chose UChicago. I never visited U of I, although I have many many many friends who go there; they all seem to love it. In fact, many of them love college a bit too much ;P</p>

<p>However, last year my doubts kinda grew about my choice and I came into school very anxious. I think I went overboard on what classes I took (for me they were difficult, in reality though to others it probably was a breeze). This really REALLY stressed me out, along with no longer being the big fish in a small pond and I really struggled with it.</p>

<p>Since I'm a stubborn one, I didn't change up my schedule second quarter- thought I could go grow into it. (I couldn't) And it was just rough for me.</p>

<p>Third quarter I FINALLY dropped one of my classes and I began to really love the school.</p>

<p>Joined an RSO, go out with friends, and do what college students seem to love.</p>

<p>I also LOVED my house placement, absolutely great people, we hit it off from the start and I have no problems with them and they're super close to me.</p>

<p>By the end of third quarter I kinda forgot about my worries about the school, and really came to enjoy myself. I remember packing up to go home and thinking "I don't wanna leave."</p>

<p>However, over the summer my anxiety has grown back, especially with other schools kicking in again.</p>

<p>My main concern is my worry for physics: I feel if physics just doesn't work out for me (And to be honest, physics is hard, I have no guarantee it will. Although I did do well in my first year physics and math classes) I have no other options. There really isn't else I would want to major in at UChi (although statistics has been interesting me as of late). Along with that, I'm terrified of job prospects with physics. What am I gonna do with it?</p>

<p>I'm no genius, that's for sure.
Along with that my first two quarters really really tainted my experience of the school, and I have this terrifying fear that this year when the physics classes ramp up, they'll be much worse than the struggle I had last year, and I just won't have anywhere to turn.</p>

<p>Now for UIUC: I've never even visited the school; just heard SOOO many things about it. I KNOW I'm not the party type (I enjoy going out maybe once a week, but not in some dire need of alcohol Wednesday-Sunday) and of course UIUC is known for those parties. YET, I keep telling myself that if I went there, I would become this party type that would be me... At the same time I know that it wouldn't be me. Especially if I was doing engineering or physics there :)</p>

<p>I keep thinking that UIUC is this Mecca for student life, where everyone loves it and does good work and awesome stuff and parties a lot and has no complaints. Obviously this isn't true (Once again, especially for the engineers [sorry engineers]) and I know it's not true, but I can't get myself to BELIEVE it isn't true. I keep thinking that I would just be so much happier there. Even though I've been at UC for a year and know those "fun comes to die" comments aren't true, everything I read them I begin to believe they are.</p>

<p>It's just ridiculous and I'm not sure what to do anymore.</p>

<p>I'll be honest: I'm not life of the mind lover. When I came in I was a huge hater of it, but I changed my mind. I actually do enjoy learning about other subjects; it's quite fun. So I feel as I do truly belong at UChicago, as I get along and really REALLY enjoy my classes.</p>

<p>I also enjoy the personal attention we get here with small classes and discussions, and I've been able to meet some awesome professors and even score an amazing research job.</p>

<p>Yet, even with all this, I read about how at UIUC you basically become a number, and I look past it.</p>

<p>I tell myself that I wouldn't be just a number, and it'd be this perfect experience for me. Once again, [probably] not true.</p>

<p>So to me, it seems like I love UChicago, but I've developed this irrational love for UIUC for no reason. And I just can't myself to get over it.</p>

<p>Over the last month sadness has really hit me hard that I picked the wrong school. And I just don't know what to do anymore.</p>

<p>I just want to see if anyone can PLEASE give me some insight??</p>

<p>ANY insight.</p>

2

<p>In terms of picking a college:
When I was applying to schools I didn’t really know what I was doing.
I just wanted a school that was cheap (Lol, the irony of picking UChicago for cheapest), and that I would enjoy.
I didn’t really buy the whole “atmosphere must fit you”.
I just felt right when I visited so I didn’t bother really checking out other schools…
When Uchicago sent me the EA acceptance letter, I just applied to other schools as a formality really, but I was really set on coming here.</p>

<p>Everyone told me how I had to come here because it was an amazing school, with amazing opportunities, and I bought into it.</p>

<p>Yes, the school lives up to its name, but I feel as though I just chose the school based on prestige, and it’s coming back to haunt me.</p>

3

<p>You are anxious. And a little irrational. Both of which you know. You chose Chicago for good solid reasons. If you were my kid I’d advise that you take a lighter course load this semester, try to enjoy yourself, and perhaps talk to an advisor about other majors/careers available. </p>

<p>Were you anxiety ridden in HS? Would you consider something for that?</p>

4

<p>Yeah I know.</p>

<p>I just keep talking myself into, and successfully convincing myself, that I’m missing a true part of college at UChi.</p>

<p>Yeah, by the end of HS I was anxious about test scores and grades, but not that much.</p>

<p>Definitely more anxious than when I started high school though.</p>

5

<p>I can’t tell if you are male or female, but have you looked into joining a Greek organization? That may give you some of the “typical college social life” that you seem to feel lacking. As an introvert STEM person I had much the same reaction to my life in Hyde Park 25 years ago. I joined a sorority in my second year and it provided a much needed counterbalance to my academic life.</p>

6

<p>Okay, first, you can’t fall in love with something you don’t know, haven’t seen. At this point, it’s too late to enter UIUC for the fall term. So gird your loins, pack up or UC and take a manageable courseload. IF it’s too much, IF you are not liking it, look seriously into transferring, but first visit the school, classes, etc. Second, see your doc and talk about some cognitive therapy referrals for anxiety. Also, there is no ‘true’ part of college that you are missing at UC. It may be that it’s not the right school, but I think that you need to get the anxiety under control, first and foremost. Also–other kids are struggling! There are many, many kids at the UC who think everyone else is smarter than they! Give yourself a break, pat yourself on the back for making it through the first year, and take your anxiety seriously–it can be controlled. And you’re not alone. Good luck.</p>

7

<p>As another entering 2nd year who did and felt nearly the same as you (I took 140’s and got beaten with a stick by it, though I ended with good grades as well), I’m of the opinion that the class is way above most people’s level. I also dropped a class spring quarter and ended up enjoying myself far more. In my experience, it seems like most STEM majors really hit their stride in 2nd year after a rough 1st. I don’t think your worries are going to last that far into next year.</p>

8

<p>Yep.
Thanks for the help guys.
I think this is gonna be my plan:</p>

<p>Since my main source of anxiety comes from not feeling too sure about the physics major (I’m really really drawn to engineering)</p>

<p>I’m just gonna fill out the transfer app to uiuc for spring term, and then just try out UChicago again for another quarter, with what I think is an enjoyable, 4-course workload.</p>

<p>Then at the end of the quarter I’ll have a bit of winter break to consider my options and see where to go from there.</p>

<p>I’m also planning to visit UIUC as soon as I can to actually see if I would enjoy the school more.</p>

<p>After all, why bother myself by always wondering if UIUC is a better fit, if I can just go see for myself.</p>

9

<p>An old proverb: The grass is always greener on the other side.</p>

10

<p>Ahhh yes this is true :P</p>

<p>But, I just truly am starting to think I am more of the engineering type, rather than physics…</p>

<p>And an application to transfer is by no means a done-deal.</p>

<p>It’s just opening another door, in case I need it.</p>

11

<p>And to be perfectly honest:
I see this transfer app as two things:

  1. An open door to leave the University if need be. If I TRULY don’t like it after trying an easier workload and taking care of anxiety and meeting more people
  2. A wake up call. I’m hoping that, if I’m meant to stay at the University, that during some point in the transfer application, I will think to myself “what the @&#* am I doing leaving one of the greatest Universities in the world? A place where thousands would do anything to have an opportunity like me.”</p>

<p>As of now, to be perfectly honest, I think I’m torn exactly 60-40 between schools (more towards UChicago, but we will see)</p>

<p>I think it’s safe enough to say that I am, in fact, in that age, where I don’t necessarily want to listen to others wisdom. The age where I live by trial and error.</p>

<p>Just listening to advice on these forums might help a bit, but it won’t put me completely to rest.</p>

<p>I think actually going out and actually presenting myself with both options, side-by-side, will be the best plan of attack for me.</p>

12

<p>First of all, you need to over come your anxiety and analyze why you have a problem. Perhaps it is you cannot do time management well? Have you attend the professor’s office hours on those subject that troubled you. Or are you not concentrating on your study? If it is medical, have you seek help? They took you in because they think you can be successful in the institution, but you are failing their expectations, you have to find out why.</p>

<p>You don’t want to be part of the statistics of 22 students as that is how many U of C accepted in transfers.</p>

13

<p>It’s not that I’m not doing well, that’s not what is scaring me away from the University.</p>

<p>If I wasn’t doing well, I know that would be my fault, not the school’s.</p>

<p>I made Dean’s List this year and, although I may have struggled during school, I still feel I was pretty successful.</p>

<p>I think it’s just the engineering dilemma, to be honest,</p>

14

<p>I’m confused. University of Chicago doesn’t have an engineering major? Understandably you may have to apply and take certain prereqs but why can’t you do that there?</p>

15

<p>U of C has never offered an engineering major. Historically, the school is more interested in liberal education for undergraduates (in my day it was described as “free of vocational considerations”). They are starting to indicate a willingness to move in the direction of offering engineering, but at this time a molecular engineering minor is the only “engineering” concentration.</p>

16

<p>Yep!</p>

<p>And the no engineering part is the problem for me.</p>

<p>That’s why I think just doing this app is a very good idea.</p>

17

<p>It seems to me that you have romanticized UIUC as a solution to all your U of C concerns, even though you point out that there is a risk that you may feel like a number there or not fit into the party scene and might miss what you do like about U of C. Perhaps the best way to be clear on that is to spend a couple days with your friends there going to classes and parties with them. You could easily do this in September before U of C begins and it might get you beyond the infatuation stage to knowing if you really want the relationship.</p>

<p>I worry that just as you may be romanticizing UIUC, you may be romanticizing engineering. Engineering requires as many tough quantitative courses as physics, after all. What is it specifically about engineering that appeals? Are you being realistic? I would feel more comfortable about your transferring if you could articulate why you think engineering would be a match for you. I do agree that your academic advisor is a resource for helping you sort this out. No reason you can’t email him or her now to begin the conversation.</p>

<p>It is not unusual to have anxieties about diving back in to school. Try to focus on what you liked about U of C during spring quarter and on your close-knit friends. Counseling is also incredibly helpful in these types of cases. We all need someone neutral to use as a sounding board. Best wishes to you.</p>

18

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<p>Yep. I agree with you. I am in fact spending 3-4 days on at UIUC come next week! I’ll try to do a Thursday-Sunday, so I can get both the school scene and party scene. I think that would do wonders for me.</p>

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<p>I also agree with you here.
And I realize I think I may have misspoken when I initially explained my problem. I’m not really worried about the difficulty of the engineering classes. When I said I struggled this year, it really wasn’t from physics. I took some other classes that were time-sinks and they kind of piled on and it felt like I had to put physics on the back-burner because of them.
I enjoyed my math classes and physics classes, they weren’t really the problem.</p>

<p>I think I can present you with a few reasons why I believe I’d fit in more for engineering.

  1. I took both physics and engineering in high school, and I really really enjoyed the math in physics, mostly because it was explaining to me how everyday things around us function. I also enjoyed the engineering class. It was less math (I would have preferred more math) and a lot of hands-on.
  2. I took electronics here at UChicago, which I’ve heard people say is the most “engineery” class at UChicago, and I REALLY enjoyed it. I found it really interesting that I could learn something, build it, and just apply it to “real life”.
  3. I think I enjoyed my physics classes mostly here at UChicago because they dove so deep into the math and explanations. I liked that because I felt I was really really beginning to understand the math behind everyday phenomena. What worries me, is once I start learning things like quantum and particle physics… It won’t be applicable anymore, and I won’t be as interested in it. </p>

<p>I don’t know if these are good reasons.</p>

<p>I’d love to hear your input on them.</p>

<hr>

<p>As such, I think right now I am in a good position.
I will do the transfer app (hopefully get in), and then have a choice to make in December.
At that point, I will have done fall quarter of my sophomore year, which means I will have finished the particle physics class.
If I come to like it, and want to continue physics, all I’ve lost is a few hours and the <$100 I spent on the application.
If I don’t like it, then I have this other door option.</p>

<p>Any ideas?</p>

19

<p>Maybe you’d aim to be an experimental physicist, building stuff? </p>

20

<p>For what it’s worth, OP, you sound funny and smart and witty and introspective…you’re going to do well wherever you go. And, if possible, <em>never</em> visit UIUC because it could actually be a funny ongoing theme in your life where you compare all choices you make in life to the choices you would have made there…it would be a great novel. :)</p>

<p>p.s. Stay at UChicago, Drop the physics class. </p>