<p>So I need to make a decision on this by tomorrow and I really don't know what to do. I am a freshman at USC, majoring in political science. I plan on moving to D.C. after school and would like to be a political aide or campaign worker. I am trying to decide whether or not to stay here or transfer to the College of William and Mary. There are several things that bother me about USC: The size of the school is a big one. I have had many lecture classes this year where I learned a lot, but I much prefer being able to interact with a professor and my other classmates. Most of the interaction is with TA's instead of profs; they grade my papers and sometimes write the exams. I have had a couple great TA's but also some very incompetent ones. Another reason I don't like the size is because I feel that it is harder to make close friends because you don't see the same people all the time. Also, the vast majority of students move off-campus into apartments in the neighboring area after freshman year and a lot of people go home on the weekends. This means the weekends on campus are kind of dead and it bothers me that everyone I know is going to be so spread out next year. Plus, I really don't like Los Angeles...everything is very far away and it's difficult to go places without a car. I think a lot of these issues would be solved by going to William and Mary where the have a good government program, smaller classes, very little TA's/Grad students, and 75% of people live on campus. With that said, there are some small classes here at USC that I could take (although most are larger than I like), I'm already comfortable here (although not necessarily happy), and I have a full tuition scholarship so it only costs me $10,000 a year to go here (It would cost $30,000 a year at WM). I don't feel like my college expectations are being very fulfilled here, but I don't know if it is my fault or the school's fault and the idea of starting all over again at a new place where most students are already settled is very intimidating. But maybe a new start would be good for me so I could put this year behind me. Please please please if you have any advice/anecdotes I would love to hear them. I am so stuck about what to do.</p>
<p>Is the $30k doable?</p>
<p>Yes, the $30k is doable.</p>
<p>Since you want DC, have you looked into American or Georgetown? Don't know your stats, but American is generous with its merit aid if you are an outstanding student. Have you visited WM? How did you feel there?</p>
<p>If the $30k is doable, not painful, then by all means, roll the dice and go to W&M.</p>
<p>Sounds like USC isn't a good fit. Doesn't sound like another year is going to make a difference.</p>
<p>Hi
You only get to do your undergrad years once. I have a S who did a semester at Wm and Mary in a precollege program..and I can tell you that the teaching is Inspired on that campus. Very close contact with faculty. I think it will meet your needs for intimacy and school spirit. Williamsburg's histoiric feel is wonderful and the more you know about the Colonial period, the more you can get out and see really great historic sites in the Tidewater. Access to DC and Richmond work is good. Williamsburg suffers from not being as much of a college town or real city however, but this draws the student body closer. Prepare for humidity when it is hot. Keep in mind that students are one-third Northern Virginians which actually means they have diverse backgrounds/roots, there is a large segment of ultra acheivers from OOS, and I think you will find the student body to be very interesting. The verbal SATs of the Wm and Mary kids are really high for a public institution, so prepare to work pretty hard in a cozy, supportive environment. I think your degree from there will be respected as you travel in life. Take the plunge...life later has so many compromises that I hope your undergrad years are golden.</p>
<p>My daughter is also contemplating a transfer - kind of the opposite of yours - from a small LAC to a big state Univ. A great deal of that is motivated by the social environment because she truly likes the academics of her current school, is comfortable, etc. </p>
<p>She went to see her (temporary) academic advisor as she prepared to select courses for next year, in case she stays. During the advising session, the topic of transferring came up. The advisor gave her what I think is pretty wise advice: was she running TO something else or running FROM her current situation? If she was running from it, he advised her to reconsider her decision because it meant she wasn't really addressing the problems/issues but was merely escaping them.</p>
<p>Food for thought - and it's definitely caused her to reconsider whether she will transfer or not.</p>
<p>You do realize that CWM is hours away from DC? It's not like you can drive back and forth on a daily basis.</p>
<p>Thanks for the input---I appreciate it :)</p>