Is Prestige THAT Important? I Really Need to Know...

<p>Tenisghs, I transferred from The Ohio State University. I won't crack any Michigan jokes, lol. J'adoube, I was there for a year.</p>

<p>By it not being a good fit I mean both academically and socially. My major at WashU is new and the head of the program recommends double majoring, since it is a very small program. It will be annoying having to double major and make up credits for the core curriculum (most of my credits transferred, but they barely count for the core requirements). I plan on interning and working on a large project this summer, but it may be possible for me to squeeze in some classes at my local college. IF WUSTL will accept these courses (because I do not have the time or the money to stay here and take summer classes). Meanwhile at OSU, I am almost done with the core requirements. I will also be able to double major without taking summer courses and still graduate on time. Also, at OSU the departments for both of my majors are highly ranked and there are a variety of classes that I can take in both departments. Plus, the research opportunities there are plentiful, even in my non-physical science areas of study. However, at WUSTL I've heard that the head of my department has a lot of powerful connections in the field...</p>

<p>Socially, WUSTL is lackluster. The campus is like a quiet little bubble and the social scene is dominated by Greek life. I am not a big drinker, nor am I a partier, and I still find the parties here absolutely boring. Watching people play drinking games and frat guys crushing beer cans against their heads is NOT my idea of a good time. I do go off campus often, which is nice. St. Louis is interesting and has its cool points, but it is not a bustling city that completely makes up for the limited campus life. WashU has had its exciting points---like the VP debate. Most weekends though, I feel as if I have no other options but to work out, eat, watch tv, study, surf the net, nap, and study some more. I am used to OSU, where there were always a variety of things to do both on campus and in the immediate area, that made up for the city. I am in some extracurriculars here, but the clubs that I was in at OSU were amazing and had a meaningful impact on me.</p>

<p>I know that no school is perfect and even OSU annoyed me at times. However, by the end of the year I started to love it there, but I felt obligated to transfer to WUSTL because it seemed like a really good deal. I've been trying to make myself like it here, since its a great school...but I can't see myself staying. Maybe my spot will go to a transfer applicant who will actually love it here.</p>

<p>Columbus, Ohio is a better college town than St. Louis. If you truly believe Ohio State is a better fit for you, transfer back to OSU where the research opportunities are more plentiful, social scene is more vibrant, and you can finish your degree easier.</p>

<p>You've only been at WUSTL 3-4 months as a transfer. It is hard to find "social fit" in such a short time, especially since most of your peers already formed their social groups. I don't think that social life at WUSTL is dominated by Greeks at all - but my child is a freshman there, and the social dynamic is different (and easier) when you start as a freshman...
My advice would be to fill out transfer apps, so you will have the option to go back to OSU next year, but still give WUSTL a shot, and see how you feel by the time the decisions are due in the spring.</p>

<p>Nngmm, I didn't officially withdraw from OSU (as long as you are admitted, you can go back whenever). The social dynamic is a lot different for transfers, but I do give WUSTL props for having a transfer orientation.</p>

<p>Basically it'll be like if you did a year abroad. You have the experience and really didn't waste your time. Not bad at all.</p>

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I didn't officially withdraw from OSU (as long as you are admitted, you can go back whenever).

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<p>Maybe that's the source of your problem ;)... On one hand, it's a great "risk-free" position to be in. On the other hand, maybe because you have this easy fall-back option, you feel less invested in becoming settled in at the new school...</p>

<p>And you now know that St. Louis s......, and Columbus rocks!:)</p>