I’m a sophomore working towards a nursing major and have had a really difficult journey in college. My senior year of high school I was lucky to be admitted into multiple high-level direct-entry nursing programs. I decided to stay at a small private college as I felt my anxiety and depression would not be a good match to go farther away. However, as my freshman year wore on I continued to want to transfer. I had to transfer really last-minute over the summer and was not fully aware of how difficult it is to transfer between BSN programs. I am at Marquette university now but due to the way their curriculum is structured I had to start completely over as a freshman! I’m really unhappy here and want to return to my old college (st. Bens) but no longer have my spot in their nursing program after I transferred. Everywhere else I’ve looked I run into the same issue where I have to start over as a freshman because I don’t have Anatomy and Physiology or one other core curriculum class. I have no idea what to do as I’m already older for my grade and have always known I want to be a nurse. I just want to be back on track with the class of 2024. Please offer advice!!
I’m afraid you’re running into two unfortunate facts:
(1) Every time you transfer, you get a little farther behind.
(2) Every time you transfer it gets s little harder to transfer again.
Making up a lost year is probably not going to happen, so your best strategy is to accept it and move forward. As far as moving forward, going to a third college will be harder than going back (and even that may not be possible) and in any event, even if this is the right decision, you still run into (1).
One other thing to think about. How many weeks have you been at Marquette? Three? How sure are you that it’s not for you?
Can you take Anatomy and any other core required classes at a local community college so you can transfer back into the Nursing program? Or is this not an option at the school?
Unfortunately they filled the cohort with someone on the waiting list when I left so I. Can’t get back in 
Direct Entry into nursing spots are competitive for a reason. Their cohort numbers are capped without flexibility due to clinical space needed as you move through the program.
With nursing you are stuck and you will lose time every time you transfer. Staying where you are at will be the quickest way to complete your degree.
You could try a community College for your ADN but again, space will be competitive and you may not get into the nursing program in your first time.
Have you reached out to the counseling centers on campus? What makes you feel like you are at the wrong college now?
In a university setting, your grade level, with your age, doesn’t matter. Maybe at the smaller colleges, it’s noticeable, but the only one who cares about that would be you.
No one is going to ask you, in a future job placement, about your age. First of all, it’s illegal to ask, and secondly, it’s the degree and/or certification, with the training, that matters. No one cares about your age. You could be 60, with a new degree. If you can physically work, you will get hired.
Do you need to take a break from all schools?
How do you feel about Accelerated BSNs or direct-entry MSNs? I feel at this point it might almost make more sense to get a different BS since it’s easier to transfer and then access a grad program
They are fine but with a price tag of typically 50k or more.
What are the current issues you are having at the school you are at now?
I honestly just really miss the friends and community I had at my old college. I didn’t realize how special of a place it was until after I left. I cant imagine my new college ever replacing any of those experiences
I think you should give it a chance. Once you get with nursing folks, they need to really click together and hang out as a group.
But they are all freshman and I’m 20. It’s lonely being the only one in my position. I really just want to get to know the other sophomores but I have no classes with them
Your age doesn’t matter. It’s only a difference of a year or two. You shouldn’t be judging people by their age. Connect based on shared experiences.
I teach in classes with 20 year age gaps and people still get along.