Is transferring from tufts a good solution?

Transfer Students
1

<p>Hi,</p>

<p>I am in the middle of my second semester at tufts university and since the beginning this hasn't felt like the right place for me. Sometimes I feel more unhappy than I should be and it really is putting a toll on me. I don't feel like my self here. Part of it I think has to do with the weather and environment/culture. The other is that I feel like I'm just settling for a major and deciding to do it. When I applied to colleges in high-school, tufts was the only liberal arts school I applied to because I really wanted to go into communications/broadcast journalism. However, I still chose tufts, maybe I valued prestige a little too much because even when I visited I thought I wouldn't go here because I knew I wouldn't be happy. What worries me is that I'm almost dreading coming back next fall. I just don't feel happy here or like it is the right path for me. In addition though, I am very involved here and am trying to make the most of it. I go into Boston every week to explore and I'm actively involved in sports and clubs, but I still find my self not really loving it. I even have a job and have met a lot of people, but no one I really click with or can have a real relationship with. I do love the activities I'm involved in and the city, but I don't truly click with anyone and relationships seem to not really be that real here for me. I am conflicted because it is a great school and there are aspects I like about it. </p>

<p>However, I see my self thriving in a warmer place (probably CA) with an overall happier environment studying something I'm really excited about. I know tufts is a great school and there are probably lots of options to "work around" what I want to do, but it doesn't feel like the place for me to be successful. I'd love some advice as transferring is a really scary thought. I'm afraid to make the wrong choice and disappoint people. Do I stay and put up with it? Or do I take the risk and transfer to place I think I'll be happier at? Should the prestige of the school matter? </p>

<p>Also I have the feeling I've been here long enough to know how I really feel about the place and if I'll enjoy it, but I'm not sure. Do you think by my second semester of freshman year I should know if this is the right place for me or if I like the school? </p>

<p>I'm conflicted and would appreciate any advice!</p>

2

<p>I think your problem has more to do with you than with Tufts. Have you sought counseling at the school or elsewhere?</p>

3

<p>Haha! I am trying to transfer to Tufts right now! So your leaving would give me more chances!:slight_smile: Just joking. Seriously, I think that the most banal answer is the best: do want you want. Watch Steve Jobs’ speech at Stanford I think he may inspire you. Moreover, I think that you may be reluctant to make a change since it requires a lot of effort. I believe that you would transfer to another school if you could do that by pushing a magic button, ypu should go for it.</p>

4

<p>You sound depressed. It may or may not have to do with Tufts. I would definitely go to the counseling service and discuss everything you wrote in the post. They may be able to help you identify exactly what is going on with you and help you come up with a plan of action. </p>

5

<p>While I won’t rule out mild depression, when you said," I still chose tufts, maybe I valued prestige a little too much because even when I visited I thought I wouldn’t go here because I knew I wouldn’t be happy.", it sounds more to me that Tufts simply was never the right choice for you. And, am I understanding correctly that they don’t offer the major you want??? If so, then I’m not sure why you would want to stay. </p>

<p>Transferring IS scary. It’s hard being the new kid. There is a risk that you won’t be happy in your new school for any number of reasons. There is also the possibility you will love it and wonder why you ever hesitated. Perhaps you will feel differently about Tufts after a little more time has passed, and spring and warmer weather has arrived. In any case, maybe you should consider applying to a few schools now that fit your requirements so you at least have some options to consider for next year. </p>

<p>When said you were “afraid to make the wrong choice and disappoint people”. Who is it that you are worried about? Aren’t you the one who you are going to school for? Listen to your gut instinct and that should help point you in the right direction.</p>

<p>And, IMO anyway, prestige only matters to a degree. I wouldn’t let it drive the process as far as a college search goes. </p>