I’m a current sophomore at GWU. I did not really like it here when I first came but my parents insisted I stay because it was the most “prestigious” option I got into and it was relatively close to my family (I have to go back home sometimes due to circumstances). However, I still feel like I don’t belong. I’m not into politics and I am a psychology major. I get a lot of merit aid but I still pay a substantial amount to go here. The clubs are pretty limited as many are politically inclined. I have joined a couple and I reach out to people I’ve met to be friends but nothing has stuck. I’m just not sure if I should spend my last two years here or transfer to another university that might have a better environment for me. I’m from PA so I was thinking about going to a land grant school there such as UPitt or Temple as they are much cheaper in comparison to GW even with my scholarship, more diversity in terms of majors and clubs, and I know people at each school so it wouldn’t be as scary going to a new college. I’m really conflicted because part of me feels like a failure not being able to make it work but part of me feels really stifled here. Thanks for reading and I really appreciate any advice or input.
Don’t feel like a failure! It seems that you’ve tried to genuinely make it work, but you’re still unhappy. That’s totally fine. Ultimately, your happiness isn’t a simple on/off switch. If you don’t feel comfortable, always seek to change your situation.
In any case, you have some fairly strong reasons for transferring.
What’s your GPA looking like? From there we can probably give you a good idea of whether you should go for the transfer.
You don’t like GWU, and it is expensive even after aid.
What do the junior and senior year classes for your major look like at GWU? Can you get the same (or better) for less money in your home state? Then go ahead and apply for transfer. If you get in and the aid is decent, then will be the time to decide about transferring or not.
You also could think about taking a semester or a year of exchange either abroad or somewhere else in the US. That would get you away from GWU for a while, and you would return for your senior year knowing that it is only 9 short months before you are done.
My GPA is not especially strong. It’s a 3.37 but I’m hoping to finish off the year stronger. I haven’t earned any C’s, D’s, or F’s. I also have 3 AP classes that I brought in for credit.
I am majoring in Psychology and double minoring in French and Film. All of these subjects will be available at either UPitt or Temple because I checked. Both of the schools will be cheaper for me even if I get no scholarship there vs. my merit aid here and what I have to pay. The only thing about going abroad (because I desperately want to) is that it can get really expensive and GW asks for a “tier fee” depending on which program you want on top of the school cost. They actually have a program where you can finish off the last 3 semesters abroad but I just found out about it this year and you have to apply as a freshman. I think I will apply for state schools just because my financial circumstances have changed in general and I’m sincerely questioning the worth of staying here for 2 more years when I’m this unhappy. Thank you both for your replies it means a lot.
Thank you! I posted below more info
Thank you for taking your time to reply.
Pitt’s a great school. if it’s much cheaper i would probably look into transferring there. but will your parents still pay since you are going against what they want?
I’m hoping it’s not that much of an issue considering I would be saving them money but I would still be getting an education. My mom says as long as I have a plan she’s ok with it and I told my dad before I didn’t want to stay in the first place and I’ve been here two years as well as the fact I need more financial aid to stay here. Otherwise, I will probably have to leave in any case unless I want to pursue loans (which I do not want to do for GW). Thanks for replying!
University of Pittsburgh is a fine school…one that you can feel proud of! Would you still have the opportunity to go abroad for a semester if you do transfer?
First, you are not a failure just for recognizing a poor fit after almost two years of effort.
Second, thankfully you have two solid options. The University of Pittsburgh is an amazing school located in a great city.
Temple is also a strong option, but it really depends upon whether you prefer Philly or Pittsburgh at this stage of your life.
Third, you present your situation in a clear & level-headed manner–so move on with confidence.
I think it’s strong in my fields of study! The thing is with Pitt is that you need 24 credits on their campus before you can go abroad. I don’t know if they would let me potentially take summer classes to count towards the total so I could go abroad in the spring as a junior. Alternatively, I could most likely take one during a break but I would rather go during a semester if at all possible. Going abroad during senior year does not seem like the best idea.
I think the academics at UPitt is stronger but since it is even farther away from home for me (5 hrs) than the current 2.5 and their “on-campus credit” restrictions it’s making me question it as the top choice. I was leaning more towards Temple because it’s 40 mins from home (transportation costs), I have an established group of friends to branch out from, and they have a much stronger arts presence and variety of clubs than my current school, I only need 12 credits before I can go abroad and if I need to take summer classes, I can easily go into the city.
Thank you guys for reading and your support!