How soon can I transfer?

<p>I'm an incoming freshman in college. I was accepted to only three schools this year, and decided to commit to University of Pittsburgh Bradford campus through their Options Program after being rejected from their main campus. I wasn't able to visit due to the distance (6 hours) and I was warned that it was a small town, but I was completely taken by surprise when I finally was able to see the area for myself yesterday during the orientation.</p>

<p>I'm not going to go through all the details explaining why I immediately was turned off by the campus as that information would not aid in answering my question, but I am absolutely desperate to get out of this school. The campus is beautiful, and the scenery charming, but this kind of setting is really not for me. I know I was previously warned, but I was surprised at how small and rural it was. I know many of you might say that I should give it a chance, but I know for sure that I will not be happy here. </p>

<p>So that leads to my question: is it possible for me to transfer to the main campus before the start of the school year if there is space? I'm not trying to toot my own horn, but I know some of my fellow students who had lower SAT scores, GPAs and less extra curricular activities than I did who got in because they applied early, but ultimately did not decide to attend the school. I applied very late (and regret it so much right now) and am thinking that I was rejected because they had already filled their limit of admitted students. And if that option is not available, would it be possible for me to transfer to one of the other schools that I got accepted to (Rutgers) before the start of the school year? (so that I can start with the other freshman)</p>

<p>And I'm also wondering: Are there any lasting repercussions for transferring schools? I know missing orientation and having to meet new people may be perceived as a social disadvantage, but I have absolutely no problem with that. I was more wondering if there was any penalty that I might have to pay or have on my record if I transferred this early in the school year.</p>

<p>Pick up the phone and call U Pitt to find out how soon you might be able to move to the main campus. They will tell you what your options are.</p>

<p>Nowhere is it written that you must start college this fall. If you are truly unhappy with your options, take a gap year and make a better application list for yourself.</p>

<p>You can’t be a transfer student without having attend at least a semester of college. All you’d be doing is applying as a Freshman, which means the deadline for acceptance in the fall is way past and at best they can accept you in the spring. If you’re going to be that miserable, your academic performance will probably suffer, which means your chances at transfer may as well.</p>

<p>I’m not sure about your chances of being able to switch to another school you were accepted to at this point. A LOT of deadlines are probably past. It may be possible but I wouldn’t hold my breath.</p>

<p>I’d echo the recommendation above. If you want, don’t even take a gap year. Take a gap semester. Work, volunteer, take Community College classes, do SOMETHING beneficial for yourself for 6 months. Then apply for Spring semester. You’ll have a fresh start, a generally less competitive applicant pool, and there will be a new orientation and new people to meet.</p>

<p>what were your stats? it might be possible for you to transfer earlier.</p>

<p>happymomof1 & DavidSSabb94, I took your advice and called both schools today. You were right, it seems very unlikely that I will be able to move to the main campus, however, Rutgers seems to have available space for a few more students. I’m still discussing things with my parents but I think that I will ultimately be attending Rutgers this fall. (if everything goes according to plan) </p>

<p>Coola426, my stats weren’t amazing but they were:
3.5/5 GPA
740 Reading
730 Math
690 Writing</p>

<p>Thank you for all of the help and advice! I really appreciate it.</p>

<p>OP: I would recommend that you take time evaluate your options. If you think you want to attend a college that ranks higher than U Pitts and Rutgers. Then staying at Bradford may not be a bad choice. You can raise your GPA and transfer to a higher ranking school.</p>