Hey everyone, currently a first year at UVA looking to potentially transfer to another school and was hoping for some help. After finishing my first semester, I just don’t think UVA is for me. I’m not enjoying college as much as I think I should be, haven’t really made any friends, and honestly don’t enjoy school even though I love learning. Coming home for break everyone has said how much they love their school and can’t wait to go back but I just don’t feel this way about uva Because of this, I’m looking at transferring into a smaller school i.e. liberal arts college or small university.
Some criteria I’d like in a school: learning for the sake of learning, not too pre-professional, tight knit community, somewhere I can really get to know people and make lifelong friends, smaller undergrad population (less than say 8,000). The one major condition is that it has to be equal to or better than uva academically/reputation wise/job market prospects or else my parents won’t let me go.
About me academically: 3.5 gap the first semester, got a 4.35 in high school, and 31 on the act. Not sure what else to say, decent ec’s lot of volunteer work, could probably get fairly good letters of recommendation. Looking at majoring in some combination of economics, poli sic/government/international relations, environmental science, history, or math.
I really like the idea of Wesleyan University because of the hipster/outdoorsy vibe (just based off of what I’ve heard haha) which matches my personality and they have a relatively high transfer acceptance rate. From what I’ve read, Colby and Bates seem similar but are they a step down from uva? So i guess other schools that match this and what I’ve already said. Any recommendations are welcome
Do I have a realistic chance of transferring into top LAC/smaller universities?
Thanks a ton!! Really appreciate it
“Some criteria I’d like in a school: learning for the sake of learning, not too pre-professional, tight knit community, somewhere I can really get to know people and make lifelong friends, smaller undergrad population (less than say 8,000).”
Learning for the sake of learning? You are a rare breed. You are likely to find others like you in LACs. How this country has turned out a cohort of students who can’t even describe academic interests but who fight for every last “point” to beat out peers is beyond me (and sickening). Good luck to you. I hope you are able to transfer someplace where you’ll find kindred spirits.
I might be reading too much into your first two paragraphs, but for what it’s worth, I think many people don’t find what I’ll call “true” friends first semester. Some don’t find them until their second or third year, and some find friends early, but they don’t end up to be “life long” friends anyway! But, I know it stinks when your HS friends are all gushing and claiming they love where they are, and you are left thinking that you are all alone in your feelings. But, finding real friends takes time. I don’t want to discourage you from transferring, but if this is the main driver of your unhappiness, just know that it may be just as hard or even harder to find those true friends as a transfer into a new school. There you will be starting all over, and also having to break into existing friend groups at the same time. Obviously, a lot will depend on your personality, and on the school. Some people have no trouble at all. But, before throwing in the towel on UVA, have you thought about rushing? Going greek is not for everyone, but I do think it is one way to make a large university seem smaller. Even if you think greek life is not for you, if you go in with an open mind, you may find a frat/sorority that suits you. And even if not, or if you have no intention of joining, just going through the rush process might allow you to meet a whole new set of kids. Another suggestion - is it possible to get in on a living community type situation for next year? IMO, that is another great way to make a big school seem smaller, and often the people in a living community grow very close. I recall at least two being mentioned there (Brown College, Hereford…) and my impression was that they may have a good majority of residents that I’d describe as outdoorsy and or hipster.
I think it is comparing apples and oranges to compare Universities and LACs, but I do think it will tough to gain admission to any school that meets your parent’s criteria of being “equal to or better” than UVA, and also meets your criteria, just because most of those schools that fit those qualifications do have pretty low acceptance rates for transfers. But it doesn’t hurt to apply to places. Your GPA and test scores will at least give you consideration. I do think Wesleyan seems like a great fit for you and probably your best shot if you decide to transfer.
Are finances an issue? Keep in mind, there’s not much (often no) merit money available for Transfers. And if you are paying in state tuition now…