<p>I'm currently a freshman at James Madison University, and I've been considering transfering virtually since I got here. I've been going back and forth, and it'd be a big help if I could get some advice and maybe some recommendations for other schools to consider.</p>
<p>SO, my pros for staying at JMU would be that my best friend is here (although that can also be a con) and I'm finally starting to make some friends that I could see becoming close to me. Everyone's very nice, and it's also a pretty campus and it can be a lot of fun. Also, there's a big chance of one of my other close friends coming here next year, and it'd be a blast to be here together.</p>
<p>However, here's why I'm thinking of transferring.
1. When I was doing my college search I was planning on being a music ed major, which drastically narrowed my search. I'm now a history major and would have many more options open to me.
2. I want to be closer to home. I'm from Baltimore, MD and JMU is about 3 hours away. I'd like to be more like an hour or two away.
3. I miss being in the city! I'm sick of being surrounded by nothingness!
4. I'm not a huge partier, and that's pretty much all there is to do at JMU. I like going out once or twice a week maybe, but not 3 times a week. (and sometimes 4?!)
5. I'm not very challenged here. I currently have a 3.7 here and I don't feel I've had to work all that hard. I had always planned on going to NYU, and I was accepted, but it was too expensive, leaving me no other choice but to come to JMU, and knowing hardly anything about the university. I always wanted to go to a more prestigious school.
6. My best friend goes here. Yes, that's sometimes a pro, but at the same time it might be good for me to branch out on my own as we've been inseperable since we were 14. I also feel like I'm not going out and looking for friends like I might if she weren't here. At the same time though, I'ms cared to transfer and not to make any good friends and to regret leaving the ones I have here.</p>
<p>Here's what I think would be my ideal school:
*<em>The option of parties, but not to feel like I have to go get drunk every night to have any social life.
*</em>A good reputation and more challenging academics.
*<em>A good history and education program
*</em> A city! (I'm thinking the D.C. area right now, as that's a good distance from home, but I'm open to other suggestions) I'd also like more diversity.</p>
<p>As you can see, this is no easy decision. Any responses and/or recommendations would be GREATLY appreciated.</p>