I Screwed Up.. :(

Transfer Students
1

I’m starting my first year of college this year and had a tough time deciding between Tulane (who offered me 32k) and a lower ranked school (full tuition scholarship). Listening to the advice of my college counselor, I decided to go to the non-Tulane university. I’ve already gone to orientation there, and I’ve realized I won’t fit in nor will I like it there.
My adviser was disinterested in me and just wanted to get our meeting out of the way. The classes I signed up for don’t seem challenging or fun (I’ve already gotten credit for a lot of the classes they offer there) and the vast majority of the people I met there were really shallow. I know a lot of people will say that I’ll find my niche there, but I know that I’d be much happier at Tulane (better looking classes, better location, better reputation, more liberal, higher jewish population, more school pride, etc. are all things Tulane can offer me that this school can’t.)
I’m so frustrated because I know if I transfer to Tulane I won’t be able to get the scholarship back (but have a shot at 16k w/their transfer scholarship). I know that since it’s July I can’t just beg for my spot back or anything, but I don’t want to waste time at this other school. I can graduate in two and 1/2 years with the amount of transfer credit (APs) I have at this college.

By this post, I guess I’m trying to ask for advice. How do I make it through a year at this university when I’m already wishing I was elsewhere? Is there anything I can do to get out of this?
I know it’s only a year and I should feel blessed to even be at college, or have a scholarship to go there, but I’m already miserable about the idea of going. I made it into Tulane already, so if I apply to transfer will I have a good shot getting accepted if I maintain a good GPA?
aggggggggh why did I decide to go here?!

2

Can you afford Tulane if that scholarship could be re-instated? That is what really matters here. For a lot of people, even 32k wouldn’t be enough. That might be why your counselor encouraged you to take the full-tuition scholarship.

Could you afford Tulane with a 16k scholarship? If not, then transferring isn’t an option for you.

Pick up the phone, call Tulane, tell them that you are unhappy with your choice, and find out if it is possible for you to have that 32k for this fall/second semester/next fall after a gap year. The worst thing they can say is No. Even that turns out to not be a workable option, you still can defer enrollment at the current U for this fall (or just plain cancel enrollment), take a gap year, and re-think the whole thing.

Wishing you all the best.

3

College is going to teach you to take a more analytical approach to situations. I would give wherever you are a chance. I would I set all of the opportunities available and then start strategizing on how you can take advantage of them by, for example, working with faculty on interesting research, creating an interdisciplinary study situation, joining clubs and undertaking community outreach activities. I am sure that where you are going offers a lot. Hang in there. If you don’t like it, I would suggest waiting until after Your first year to try to transfer to Tulane.