<p>I'm a first semester freshman at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I'm a fairly talented student and feel that I have a pretty decent shot at gaining admission to a top school (Columbia, Georgetown, NYU etc). The issue is that I am absolutely MISERABLE here and once I had figured out what I wanted to study, I realized that my major isn't offered here. I'd like to pursue a degree in International Relations. My question is, would it be frowned upon, or hurt my chances, if I transferred to another school for next semester and then tried to transfer again for the 2012 Fall semester?</p>
<p>Why don’t you just try to transfer directly? It’d certainly be a lot easier and there’d be no concern with people looking down on it. I’m sure it won’t help your application.</p>
<p>Transferring for the spring semester is a lot easier. However, if you did not get into Columbia, Georgetown, etc, chances of you getting accepted after only one semester of college are very slim, even with a 4.0, because high school transcripts still matter a lot.</p>
<p>I’m with ridgway. Focus on doing well while you’re at UMass, then try a direct transfer. It would be less of a hassle too (not having to move, find your way around campus, meet people, etc. multiple times).</p>