<p>Internally, I've officially decided I need/want to transfer from a rural Midwestern school to an East Coast city school. However, my parents love where I'm at presently and inferred that I should pick a school and stay there all 4 years. I realize parents should not be over involved, but they are financing my education. </p>
<p>I'm thinking of using the approach that the large financial investment would not be worth it. It will also be closer to home as I live in VA, so that couldn't hurt.</p>
<p>Any suggestions from other students who have transferred or parents' thoughts?</p>
<p>Well, obviously, I don't know your parents, but you should be ready for certain questions like
a.) What schools are you looking at?
b.) How are you going to visit them before you go?
c.) How do you know you'll like the city? Why do you think you'll be happier there?</p>
<p>Transferring to a bigger school is a huge transition, especially in a different area. Try to make sure you can easily answer all these questions! Keep in mind your parents <em>are</em> financing your education, so, sadly, they do have the final say, unless you can start paying on your own. Good luck!</p>
<p>Tell them only after you have an acceptance in your hand. Depending on the competitiveness of your transfer list, you could very well be rejected to all your transfer schools.</p>
<p>^^^I don't agree, I think you should talk to your parents if you're thinking of applying to transfer. First, I'm assuming that you and your parents have a good relationship built on mutual trust and respect. Second, since they are financing your education, you should be talking to them about any possible major changes. When they start, EVERYONE thinks and hopes that they will be at their school for all 4 years, it just doesn't work out that way for everyone. It's really hard to know what a school is like from just visiting and it's also difficult to know what you need out of a college straight out of HS. If you sit down with your parents and discuss what's not working and why you think other schools would suit you better, they're likely to want you to go where you'll be happy. While money may be part of the equation, you shouldn't make it your "excuse" for transferring, be honest with them.</p>
<p>When they ask you about your school work and all, that is pretty much you can tell them about transferring. I think that would be the perfect opportunity to tell them.</p>
<p>I appreciate the responses. First off, the school I am targeting to transfer to has a relatively high acceptance rate, so I am not worried about that aspect. It also advertises that almost half of their incoming students are transfers from other universities, so I wouldn't be alone. The transfer application deadline isn't until June 1st, so I still have time.</p>
<p>When I go home for spring break in a couple weeks, I plan on going over with my parents logical reasons why I believe a switch is merited.
-the school I'm at has a well-regarded program in my major, but is much more focused on the graduate students.
-if you don't like to party 4 or 5 nights a week, there is little entertainment available. Being in a city, I would be able to take public transportation and see my favorite sports teams on the weekend.</p>
<p>Hopefully they'll be understanding. Again, thanks for the advice.</p>
<p>When my daughter approached us about transferring, she was concerned about money since she was giving up an extremely large merit scholarship to transfer to a school with very little merit aid. There was only one school she wanted to transfer to and said she would suffer through being at the first school if it didn't work out.</p>
<p>After we convinced her we only wanted her to be at a school that met her needs, she was able to give us 3 well-thought out, logical reasons that the first school was not working for her. I was impressed at the thought she put into the process, but I will say it was obvious to both my H and I that she was not completely happy at the first school.</p>
<p>As parents, we just want to make sure you are transferring for good reasons and not as a reaction to something that would change over time or would be the same on most campuses.</p>
<p>The subject of my not being happy first came up over Thanksgiving break... but then I sent them an email explaining why I wanted to transfer and where I was looking at transferring to once I got back to school. I explained that I was looking for their help and support, and at the time was only exploring the possibilities, not making a concrete decision.</p>
<p>I'm in the same boat as you, moving from a southern very rural school to a school in the city up North. I also will be much closer to home when I transfer, which I don't think my parents can even begin to complain about. The only issue is the money (large increase at my next school), but applying for scholarships and showing how excited I was about the new schools really calmed that fear.</p>
<p>It comes down to the fact that they want you to be happy, as long as they know you are putting a lot of thought into your decision. Make sure you clue them in on the process, and they will be willing to help you. </p>