<p>I'm interested in hearing a parent's perspective on transferring. </p>
<p>I am a freshman at a liberal arts college. I'm doing decent work here, but I feel that this school doesn't 'click' with me. I came here because I really do think this is a good school, and because I didn't want to go with my other option, a state university.</p>
<p>I'd like to transfer because I know what I want to major in. The course selections here are lacking and I know that there are programs more suited to my needs out there.</p>
<p>I'm not sure how to tell all this to my parents though. I'm not sure if they understand transferring in college-- they are from a third world country in Asia and basically took whatever college education was offered to them. My dad never finished college, and my mom had a full ride at the country's flagship university, and is now pursuing a second MBA... </p>
<p>I guess the question I'm asking, is whether it is a parent's choice or a child's choice in deciding which college to attend. Is this a cultural question as well? I'd like to hear the input from any parents who immigrated to the U.S.</p>
<p>I understand the financial implications of it all, and I don't know whether or not I'll be able to transfer. One of my professors has even offered to assist me with independent studies in Human Rights Studies, which is a program I'm targeting in transfer schools. So my life won't be ruined if I stay here-- it's just that I feel very envious of the resources and social life that other schools have.</p>
<p>I can’t speak to your question from the perspective of an immigrant parent, but I am a parent whose daughter transferred from an LAC to a mid-sized U after her freshman year. We fully supported her decision.</p>
<p>Her reasons for wanting to transfer were similar to yours, and included both academic and social concerns: Her major was not a great mesh, but more importantly for her, the LAC was a poor fit socially. These are both excellent reasons for transferring. Like you, after completing one semester at her first school, she had a crystal clear understanding of what she wanted, and she made her case very cogently. Second time around she chose well (She is now a junior.) She was fortunate that financial considerations did not have to play a role in her decision to switch schools. That, of course, is something your parents must weigh in on. But beyond that, if you’re articulate about your reasons for wanting to transfer (and from your post I’m sure you will be) I hope that they’ll listen closely. It really is not the end of the world for a high school senior to make a wrong decision first time around. Transferring for the right reasons is challenging, but well worth it. Good luck!</p>
<p>The first college may even have been the right decision when you chose it, but maybe not ideal going forward. Your reasoning for a transfer sounds very solid. I hope your parents will be open to the idea.</p>
<p>You can do it. I had difficulties- trying to transfer out of one of my mom's top schools when she applied back in her days! She just went with the motions but once I got the letter, she just flipped out because I could be leaving. Eventually after I came home after year and got all the mailing from Colgate and seeing how excited I was about school (believe me, I was very unhappy that she heard more complaints and crying than joys). </p>
<p>I think she had my dad and her mother trying to help her see what I was seeing- it's my life and I was trying to do what was best for me. Definitely find another adult... perhaps another family member?</p>
<p>PS- I looked in your post and saw that you're considering Smith... definitely do- some really amazing human rights events and orgsanizations on campus, I attended quite a few!</p>
<p>Your intended area of study is very much a process where you learn by yourself and not so much on what is taught. This an intangible. Transfer if you must but if you are hoping to get a "click" from your next school, it may be thunk. Good Luck, because that is what it is, Luck.</p>
<p>ohcomely, my son is in 3rd semester at a school where he feels he doesn't fit. We are paying a small fortune for him to be unhappy (so he is not staying due to scholarships, etc). So far he hasn't transferred because he doesn't want to "give up"--we are pushing for the transfer--but yes, it does have to be the student's decision. It seems if you talk openly with your parents, describe your goals and your feelings that they will understand. At the least, go ahead and prepare your applications, so that those doors will be open for you, if you decide to walk through.</p>
<p>As itstoomuch says, alot of fit is Luck. The school son is at should have been a perfect fit and in some ways it is. Will another school "fit" better?<br>
Absolutely no way to know until you are living in the midst of it.</p>