My older DD applied to transfer to a new college a few months ago and was accepted, but she did not follow through. She applied because her sister was accepted and had considered going. Eventually her sister decided a different college. I think her current college is a better fit, but she does not like the physical environment and that her friends went home on the weekends. She had talked about transferring in the past, on the other hand, she is “okay” to stay in her current college.
Recently, she discussed with some friends and she begin seriously considering the new college again. I see pros and cons with both colleges, and see the benefits of transferring. My concern is on her adjusting to the new environment.
Financial is not a concern in this situation.
I have called the college as we haven’t paid the deposit, we can still have time to put everything in place. My concern is with 2 weeks before school begins, will it be too rush? For parents who have kids transferred after freshman, I am looking for advice on what to avoid and how to prepare her. In her current college, she stayed in the dorm during freshman year and could make friends easily, but for the new college, she will likely be staying in an apartment, I am concerned she would be isolated if she does not become friends with her roommates. She did not join clubs last year, I doubt she will in the new college. She knew a few kids from our town, but they are acquaintances and not someone she can talk to. I am not concerned with other kids going home as she can come home on weekends if she needs to. I have warned her grass is not always greener on the other side. How can I help her to make the transition easier? What if she finds out the college is not a good fit, will it be too much (or crazy to think out) to transfer another time?
It’s not a rush…she was thinking about doing this before.
The big question…is she sure?
Does she already have an apartment at the new school?
My opinion…let her make the decision. It sounds like you are supporting her transfer.
I will say something…back in the Stone Age, I wasn’t in ONE club in college…not one. Clubs were not a “thing” then. My friends were the folks with whom I studied, or from my housing (dorm or apartment)…and from my job while I went to school. And I was a transfer to the school my sophomore year.
Have her check out the clubs and activities at her potential new college. Finding one thet fts would be a good indication the college is a better fit for her.
(Can she explain why he thinks it’s a better fit?
Is her major offered?)
Does housing have a transfer dorm (or a transfer LLC)? Some colleges have that and it’s help her socialize - unless she’s already secured a room in a ‘college private residence’?
Can she have a job, on or off campus?
my D transferred her second semester of sophomore year. She moved into a dorm. She really liked that as she met a lot of kids. It was hard getting everything set on the transfer within one month; but she’s glad about it. good luck!
I would be concerned because she has changed her mind a few times. At the new school, do students remain on campus on the weekends? Is that the main issue? I would support her as long as she knows it would be a problem to transfer another time
Would she like to take a year off and do something else entirely while she thinks through where she’d like to finish her education? She doesn’t have to be in love with the place, but she should like it well enough to be able to keep moving forward in her studies. A year at home on leave from A, but knowing that she is considered admissible at B, might help her take a good long look at C, D, E, and F, and also give her time to re-think her goals for her education.
thank you for calming my nerves. The reason I like her to stay in her current college is because it is smaller and the other college is much bigger and I am worry that it may be a struggle for her. She decided to transfer and I knew I should let. I “suddenly” find out I have a lot to catch up for her new college, say she has to fill out the medical form.
I suspect she have a chance of returning to her current college, therefore should she take a leave of absence or just withdraw? or does it make a difference?
Okay, I read from a pervious thread, someone suggested that it may be better to take a leave of absence. http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/409813-a-question-on-leave-of-absence.html The reason leave of absence suddenly comes up was because DD’s roommate also leaves, but the girl said that she wanted to go to CC to improve her grades, hence I suspected the girl did not withdraw. Given I felt that DD may return to her current college, therefore I hope that she does not need to reapply.
What financial aid has the new university offered? The fedeal loan should be included in that package. If it isn’t, she needs to speak with the financial aid office right now.
She needs to let the old college know that she won’t be attending this fall. Otherwise she will be responsible for tuition and housing bills at both places.
I checked with the college and they said they do not distinguish withdrawal and leave of absence.
I went to her new college with her today, she met with the advisor and knew what courses to take and submitted other stuff. It was a major step in completing the process. However, I feel awkful and miserable. I thought I have made a mistake in “pushing” her to this new college. What if she struggles?
