Need help deciding: should I transfer?

Transfer Students
1

I am a freshman business student (Management Information Systems specialization) in my second semester at Bowling Green State University. I have been accepted as a transfer student to The Ohio State University and I am trying to determine whether or not I should transfer. I had a 4.0 GPA my first semester and am currently doing well in my second.

My reasons for wanting to transfer are:

  1. Not only is OSU ranked higher than BGSU overall for academics, but Ohio State's undergrad business program is ranked #14 by Bloomberg compared to #71 for BGSU's
  2. I think that Columbus, OH, where OSU is located, is a much cooler city and is, at this time, my top choice for a place to live post-graduation, so why not get a head start on living there?,
  3. I feel I will have more opportunities for things like internships at OSU because of the fact it is located in such as large urban area (Columbus, OH population ~850,000 and metro pop. around ~2,000,000) compared to Bowling Green, OH with a population of ~30,000
  4. I think a degree from OSU will be more valuable and desired by employers, especially in the Columbus area, when compared to one from BGSU
  5. There is more school spirit at OSU and the athletics are much better
  6. All of my credits from BGSU will transfer to OSU according to Transferology

Reasons for being iffy about transferring are:

  1. I’ve already got a good establishment here at BGSU, socially and academically, and know the campus already
  2. I have the opportunity to be a resident advisor next year here at BGSU, after applying and going through interviews. (Of course I can always apply after my first year at OSU as well)
  3. I am fearful about the drawbacks of being a transfer student. I will essentially be a freshman in terms of getting adjusted to the new campus, but in reality I’ll be a sophomore.

My parents are somewhat divided on the issue, but have been providing a lot of advice and said they’ll support me either way. My dad thinks I should go to OSU because it is higher ranked and better academically, but my mom thinks I should stay at BGSU because I’ve already established myself there and she really wants me to be an RA (which, even though I’ll have to wait another year, I can always apply to be an RA after my first 2 semesters at OSU if I transfer)

Can anyone help me out with this? I’d really appreciate any tips! I know this is a personal decision, but advice from others always helps!

2

If it were me I’d go to OSU. You may be more comfortable with the idea of staying at Bowling, but you also have to think about whether you’d be more comfortable in the future after you graduate. In business, prestige can help give you the edge when competing for jobs, internships, and OSU would definitely have that more than Bowling.

3

fyi I have decided that I am going to transfer.

4

@eopjd9898

i vote for OSU and i think you made the right choice. best of luck to you.

5

Sounds like a good decision. Best wishes.

6

I wish you luck as well!

7

Well, Ohio State said that do not anticipate being able to offer on-campus housing to transfer students, which is a bit of a problem for me considering off-campus housing at Ohio State can be a hassle to find, and living on-campus your first year at a new university is optimal. So I have decided to stay at Bowling Green State University after all.