I am embarrassed where I go to college.

Student Lounge College Life
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<p>Hey CC! I was just thinking that this would be a good place to share my thoughts/feelings on this subject. So, basically I didn't do so hot in HS and I had a tough time finding the right college and ones that I like and can afford. I had to turn down a few places because of terrible financial aid, and now I'm stuck at an out-of-state school (I pay in-state tuition though b/c of tuition reciprocity). I wanted to go to a community college and transfer to my state flagship or elsewhere after, but because of several reasons I wans't able to attend a CC. So this school Im currently at ---South Dakota State University (SDSU) was pretty much my next best option. </p>

<p>Pretty much my problem is that although I <em>kind</em> of like it here, overall I don't like it at all. I'm not miserable b/c I've found a good group of friends but thoughts of transferring are always on my mind. I also always feel ashamed that I go to this University...simply b/c it is in SD and how many ignorant/stupid people go to this school. Hopefully, I will transfer to my state flagship next fall ---- the UMN-TC. In the meantime, how can I get over feeling embarrassed and not wanting to tell anyone that I go to school at SDSU? I know an education is a education, but seriously... :/</p>

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<p>I know just how you feel. I’m part of the UT Austin CAP program in which I have to go to UT Arlington for one full year then if I maintain a 3.2 GPA, I’m allowed to transfer to UT Austin. This year is going by so slow, and I’ve had a tough time making friends so far. I hate going on Facebook and talking with my old friends from high school about their college experiences because I usually have nothing to say about my experience. I didn’t even change my education to the college I attend on Facebook, I’m just waiting for that glorious day when I transfer. Then I’ll shout it out to the whole world. Forever alone :(</p>

<p>P.S. I just joined a study group for my psychology class so I’m hoping I won’t be so lonely anymore.</p>

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<p>Why are you embarrassed? Every school has stupid people in it. Even in top-tier schools, there are still ******bags that somehow get in, and no one can figure out how. I understand that it’s SD, and its placement doesn’t scream intelligence, but you can find something to be proud of. When people ask you where you go, I dare you to tell them you go to SDSU. Because what can they do to you? They say something bad about your school, and then what? Nothing. People don’t have the time or energy to judge everything about you, because they have their own lives to worry about. Stand up straight and tell them proudly where you go. Because it’s not a bad thing. It’s a good thing.</p>

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<p>Hey, at least you’re going to college right? Better than a lot of people:)</p>

<p>Anyway, name isn’t everything. If you’ve made friends, have challenging but interesting and do-able course work, then the year should go by quickly.</p>

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<p>But why would you pay so much money to be miserable?</p>

<p>If this is how you feel, don’t let your feelings hold you down. What I mean by that is don’t let your feelings turn into feelings of, “I can cruise through SDSU because I’m so much better, and this will be especially true when I transfer”. I’ve seen too many potential transfers go this route and throw their chances away by failing classes/flunking out. The upside of misery is that it gives you motivation to work hard and get out of it, but too much self-pity will eventually swallow you up to the point where you won’t be able to do anything but sit in your room and mope.</p>

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<p>Make the best of it while you’re there, do well, and transfer when you can. There are stupid people at every school and at least you can say you’re IN college. There are numerous people who aren’t and just couldn’t get in.</p>

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<p>Just focus on doing well in your academics while you’re there. You’re not going to be there for long, so just find ways to pass/enjoy your time and cope with being there!</p>

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<p>@pjLloyd,</p>

<p>are you in UT Arlington?Is it really hard to make friends?I mean,how is the campus overall?</p>

<p>I personally was choosing between this and TT.I went for TT.Good choice hopefully.</p>

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<p>From Wikipedia: SDSU Notable alumni (edited for length)</p>

<p>Gene Amdahl — architect of the IBM 360 (inventor, physicist and entrepreneur)
Stephen Foster Briggs — inventor of the Briggs & Stratton engine
Tom Daschle — former Majority Leader of the United States Senate
Steve Hildebrand — Deputy National Campaign Director for Barack Obama’s 2008 presidential campaign
Jerry Lohr — Founder and owner of J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines
Pete Retzlaff — former 5 time pro-bowler for the Philadelphia Eagles and President of the NFL Players Association
Vern L. Schramm — professor of biochemistry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University
Theodore Schultz — winner of the 1979 Nobel Prize in Economics</p>

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<p>If I were you , I would go to the Counseling Center and discuss this topic with a counselor . There is probably more going on than you realize . Good luck !</p>

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<p>In middle school parents worry about their kids going to a good high school. Senior year of high school students worry about where everyone is going to college. In college everyone worries about who is going to a top-ranked graduate program. But the only thing that really matters in the end, is whether you have a job that you enjoy and what memories and experiences you have to look back on. </p>

<p>I was embarrassed for transferring to a very poor, very academically deficient high school because I was picked on pretty bad for being so quiet at my regular high school. I ended up going to a better college than many of the “top” kids at my old school. I am the <em>only</em> one that I am aware of looking to apply to doctorate programs. Kids like to talk big about where they are and where they are going, but until they get there, it’s only talk. You have no idea what opportunities will come your way after college. Take full advantage of where you are at. You should rise to the top of many of your classes if you truly believe you are more intelligent or capable than your peers.</p>

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<p>Being a fellow Minnesotan AND a student at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, I’ll honestly say to you that I dont look down at you in the slightest for going to SDSU. Heres why:</p>

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<li><p>You’re IN college. If anyone’s immature enough to bash you for where you go to school (disregarding the elitist ivy kids), they’re probably not in college themselves and you’ve already got a handle on them.</p></li>
<li><p>You’re there for monetary reasons. It’s not like you’re one of the “dumb” kids there. Someone’s gotta be one of the smartest kids in the class, why not you? And believe it or not, there are absolute dumbasses, stoners, raging whores, stupid jocks and other totally ridiculous people at the U of M also. That’s a given at any school.</p></li>
<li><p>If I were you and someone was making fun of my choice to go to college in such an “insignificant” state, I’d let them have it and tell them all the advantages that SD has over MN. And yes, there are tons. MN has no Black Hills or Mt. Rushmore, fireworks, and SD is much safer.</p></li>
<li><p>Most kids from the Twin Cities don’t get into the U of M, and they instantly fall into the ever so common “Cloud vs. Kato” dilemma. Be glad you’re not at either of those two schools. Cheers to you for atleast going out of state, which shows courage and the willingness to adapt to a new environment. That’s more courageous than going to the U of M, in my opinion.</p></li>
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<p>I never looked into SDSU but judging off 5 minutes on their webpage, it looks like a nice place! It could be worse, you could always be at Cloud or Kato!</p>

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<p>I feel your pain, well I did. I wanted to go someplace all fancy and expensive, but I couldn’t and still cannot afford it. I am over it though, I may not be going to the best place on earth (Bemidji State in Northern MN, I am sure you have seen the horribly photo shopped ads on this site. XD), but it is actually pretty fitting for me. It just took some getting used to and some realizations that the debt may not be worth it. And like others have said, stupidity and ignorance are literally at every university. There are always those obnoxious bad eggs. Anyway, it is best to just try accept where you are at and make the most of it.</p>

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<p>eastafrobeauty, I think it’s great that you found a good group of friends already.
SkylineEyes, I think the area around Bemidji is the prettiest part of the planet.
And you are both at places that are affordable for you! You aren’t racking up a big debt that will follow you for years, and neither are your parents.</p>

<p>Living in a dorm and taking classes at a four-year college is something that a lot of 18-year-olds can only dream of. You are way ahead of the game - and both of you are at schools that offer some amazing programs and provide great opportunities to students who do well. I hope fall semester goes well. The further you progress in your major, the better the classes (and your classmates) will be - people will be more engaged and interested in classes they are interested in.</p>

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<p>First of all, I’d like to thank you guys for all the responses and support I’ve gotten on here. Secondly, I would like to apologize for the super late response…I’ve been experiencing technical issues on this website lately…so I couldn’t post anything for a while (I saved my responses on a word document lol.)</p>

<p>@PJLloyd: duuude! I feel exactly the same way! My account is still deactivated but i didn’t update my education section until into like, 2 weeks into school started. I feel so tempted to remove it though, lol. Just hang in there! I’m trying my best to as well. Just make the most of it now (like I am). Also, remember that you’re not alone :)</p>

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<p>I guess I feel like going to this school makes me look like a lame and dumb person lol (i know that’s a stupid reason ) and it’s so easy to get in here …that’s why there’s a high number for of slackers , unintelligent and hicks here (sorry if come off as super pretentious, I’m really not…but it’s true). And I suppose it just feels very frustrating sometimes to deal with dumb people all the time. I’m not saying that everyone here is dumb, but there are many intelligent people that go here as well.There are some things that I really like about this school but I’ve definitely seen better and this school could be better but I’m content for now I guess.</p>

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<p>I’ve seen that list before, it’s impressive but I’ve seen better lol :/</p>

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<p>I whole-heartedly agree with you. I’m using my “misery” and shame to motivate me. I’m not going to sit around and cry but instead I’m trying to make the bets out of this situation and win from it in the end. It’s definitely motivated me to work 100x harder. Failure is not an option for me. I am aiming to get a 3.5 (minimum) or higher…but my goal is to get at least a 3.7/3.8</p>

<p>@Marco117 & mytime09: I’m definitely making the most of my time here…and I’m utilising all the resources available here…and I’m taking classes that are interesting</p>

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<p>@fauxmaven: I will probably go speak to my advisor sometime :)</p>

<p>Also, I would like to address that I would like to transfer not because I am a prestige whore or anything, but because my state flagship has one of the best economic departments in the country , I like the school, atmosphere & location (since it’s in the TC and it’s close to home for me)…</p>

<p>@I’mOnABoat: Nice post! :slight_smile: That makes me feel so much better, thank you. Didn’t you transfer into the UofM? I’ll probably PM sometime with questions…And yesss lmao…I was so worried about ending up at St.Cloud or Mankato (would have rather went there than Cloud even though both are bad)…so I picked SDSU b/c it was my next best choice…don’t really regret it.</p>

<p>@MidWestmom2kids: Don’t get me wrong, I feel very thankful that at least i won’t have to worry about commuting to school (if I went to a CC) and being able to access all these resources and facilities. And I can study wherever and whenever I want…which I wouldn’t have been able to do if I stayed at home. I know that as you go farther into ur major, you’ll meet more people that are actually interested in the class as well. And thank you…fall semester is going well so far…I’m trying to study the best I can…trying to pull up some Bs to As :slight_smile: </p>

<p>Yes, SDSU does offer many good programs…but not so much in my dept. They offer all the courses I need to fulfil my lower division classes ( like Principles of Micro/Macro, Intermediate Micro/macro), but this is the school if you’re looking into Agribusiness/Agriecon. </p>

<p>I’m beginning to feel a bit homesick, which is normal…but there’s also not a ton of diversity and a good muslim community over here (they don’t even have a Muslim Student Assoc. (MSA) ) so , I suppose that’s another factor. </p>

<p>Basically there are things that I like about this school, but the majority of them I don’t like.
One more thing I wanted to point out is that SDSU to me feels like an extension of High School. It just doesn’t feel like college (sometimes it does, but not really). When I’m walking around other colleges like The UofM for example, it FEELS like college…it has this collegiate feel to it. SDSU just doesn’t…unless if I’m in certain parts of campus. I’m not complaining though.</p>

<p>I was thinking about being maybe being patient & waiting 2 years to transfer instead of after this year, which could only get me into the UMN (not even sure if they’d accept me b/c they’d probably weigh my HS transcript more). And next year become a CA/RA save a ton of money and finish all of my generals and then apply to transfer to other colleges with a good econ dept. and offer good financial aid like : UNC-CH, Emory, Vanderbilt, Cornell, UW-Madison (instate here as well), and UVA just to name a few. But the UMN will always be my “back-up” just in case…and I really like it over there…even though I don’t want to stay in MN. But I feel very antsy about wanting to leave SD.</p>

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<p>When I was in high school, all of the guys I was friends with, including me, went to Ivy League schools. There was one guy, however, who was a great people person, but not that smart, who went to a third rate SUNY. Well, that guy wound up becoming a multi-millionaire.</p>

<p>If SDSU is so lowly, then it should be very easy for you to get straight A’s. </p>

<p>And by the way, last I checked, the unemployment rate in un-sexy South Dakota was much less than the unemployment rate in sexy California.</p>

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<p>That’s great that you are making the best of things in South Dakota. Every school has something to offer if you take advantage of it. </p>

<p>Don’t worry about the college being easy to get into. Two of the schools my son likes are really really easy to be admitted to, but are also often chosen by good students because of unique, interesting programs. </p>

<p>I see where you are coming from, with the U of Mn being your dream school. (I love the U of Mn, too.) There is certainly no harm in trying to transfer there for sophomore year, and then if you are not accepted, try again for your junior year. </p>

<p>I can see that it would be hard to have no group of Muslim students. I hope you find friends to celebrate an Eid a-Adha meal with. My daughter is in studying in Oman this semester and I hear that this Eid is coming up soon and is an important holiday.</p>

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<p>bump!!! :/</p>

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<p>Sarah Palin attended four different colleges, with two stints at the University of Idaho, over a period of six years in order to earn a degree. That didn’t hold her back.</p>