<p>I will preface this with the events that occurred after my graduation. I graduated high school May 2010, and I was all set to attend my dream school, Emory University. I was practically feverish with excitement, albeit I was aware of my parents rather precarious financial situation. I thought my meager scholarship coupled with some financial aid would suffice to get me through undergrad. I turned down big scholarships at two private southern LACs and admission to top-flight schools like WashU and Hopkins. However, I thought Emory was the perfect fit. I sometimes debated between William & Mary where I received the Monroe scholarship and Emory, but as a whole, Emory was my preferred school. </p>
<p>Now we progress to the middle of June. One day my Mom summons me from my room with tears streaming down her face. She's holding a financial statement from the bank that displays the rather hairy debt we have incurred since the recession which has drastically affected my Dad's business. After some choked up words, it was concluded that I should call up one of the southern LACs I had previously turned down hefty merit aid from. I made a somewhat hasty decision--time was obviously dwindling. Despite losing sight of my school that I had been head over heels for since my visit, I felt assured that I was making the right decision for my family. </p>
<p>Here I am almost finishing my freshman year at the aforementioned LAC. I've sustained around a 3.6 while following the standard pre-med track; I'm planning on majoring in one of the sciences just fyi. I've also joined an ensemble, clubs, and made a few decent friends. And yet, I feel absolutely miserable. I have yet to make any close connection with anybody no matter how hard I try. I feel like a misfit as a liberal gay male in what I found out was a spoiled fratster's paradise. No offense to those of you who are Greek. I feel so desolate sometimes, but I try to reassure myself that I am doing the right thing when considering my family's finances, my intent to go to medical school, and staying closer to home. I don't know what has come over me, but the desire to transfer has suddenly become overwhelming. I don't even want to think about spending another three years here. I don't have any attachment whatsoever. Am I to blame? Would it be unreasonable to apply to Emory as a transfer student with hopes of a better financial aid offer? </p>
<p>I apologize for the overly-emotional novella I've posted. I just feel entirely lost. If anyone could offer any insight or words of advice, it would be greatly appreciated!</p>