I haven’t used this site in two years, but tonight I decided to login again because I am in a predicament…
I’m a second semester freshman at a very small Midwestern LAC, quite far from home on a quite good scholarship. At the time I was applying to colleges, I thought this was the school for me…well it turned out I completely hate the social scene at this school as well as some of the academics. Very heavy partying, greek life, etc. and the classes are mind-numbingly boring. Honestly, social issues are a big part of why I want to transfer. I have not connected with any of the students here, and I didn’t have that sort of issue in high school. The students only care about drinking and partying, and while I know that occurs at all schools, it is literally an every day thing here. I am an english/creative writing major and I enjoy these subjects and want to continue them; however, I do not feel this school is the best place to do it. While my professors are available, I don’t feel like they are very knowledgeable about the subject matter as I initially expected. Overall I just think this is a case of “bad fit”, which I know sounds vague, but despite joining clubs and trying to get involved in things, I just feel out of place in comparison to the rest of the student body. I admit money was a factor for me at the time I decided to go here, but due to some somewhat unfortunate, but also fortunate (in a monetary way) factors, money isn’t as much of an issue anymore (although I’m definitely not out here trying to pay 60k for school). While I didn’t apply to some of those “higher” lacs due to my above average but not stellar SAT scores, I have been prompted to apply to schools like middlebury, kenyon, oberlin, etc. this time around.
In HS I had around a 4.4 (weighted) gpa on a very very rigorous schedule and participated in lots of good EC’s. SATs were in the mid to high 600 range. My first semester of college I had a 3.8 (All A’s except a B+ in an art class…yeah, it sucks). I also have a writing portfolio (if that helps?). This semester I decided to focus more on my major, and I’m taking all higher level classes. Even in these classes, I don’t feel like I want to stay at this school. What do you guys think? Any college ideas? I’m thinking anywhere on the eastern seaboard or the midwest.
Sorry for the frantic writing and late night pondering
Here’s the thing…sometimes we have to make the best of things and “suck it up.” If you have an excellent financial deal from this college, its not something to ignore. Surely at your school there are some students like you. There must be some things you enjoy. Get a job or find an activity you enjoy and make the most of it. An undergraduate English and creative writing degree is essentially useless so you will need to go to graduate school.
My suggestion is to take advantage of your opportunity for undergrad, and focus on where you will go to graduate school. You will be very surprised at how fast it will go. Before you know it you will be done with your degree and can move on to a graduate school that is a better fit for you.
@Empireapple : actually, an English/writing degree from a reputable program has better placement rates than some STEM fields like biology, and depending on school equal or better than business.
@comput1:
At this point, because money isn’t as much of an issue, you have nothing to lose by applying to top writing programs - Hamilton, Columbia, Kenyon, etc. - as well as top LACs in general.
At worst it won’t pan out and you won’t be worse off.
Hoping you’re not attending Denison because their drinking issues were supposed to be under control and their nonfiction writing sounds terrific.
@Empireapple I am planning on going to grad school. In regards to the whole “your degree isn’t marketable” rhetoric…trust me, I’m well aware of that…but it really doesn’t have much to do with this thread. Writing is what I’m good at, and it helped me gain a scholarship to the college I’m attending now. Part of this is I’m looking for a college that will prepare me for graduate school though. I do not feel the institution I’m currently attending is preparing me well enough.
@MYOS1634 I’m looking at “selective” schools, but not necessarily the Ivies or anything on that caliber. Since I only have one full semester under my belt and I’m working on my second, high school stats still affect me. All the schools I’m applying to feel like reaches to me, but I’m willing to take the risk because I’m unhappy with where I am, and I really don’t have much to lose.
