*Please Give Advice* I chose the wrong school.

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Okay, so I know many people will think I just have cold feet, but I fully believe that I chose the wrong school. During the decision process I chose between two schools: the University of Washington and a smaller private school.</p>

<p>I was considering UW because I know it's a good school, I'm in state, the tuition is within my family's range, and they have a wide variety of programs.</p>

<p>I was also considering a smaller private school because I really wanted a place where there was a sense of community, where I could be in smaller classes and develop better relationships with my professors, and also it's a lot easier to get involved in activities when the school's population is smaller, I wouldn't have to worry about not getting into classes because they're full or competing for a major.</p>

<p>At the time I made the decision I went through all these phases of what I wanted to major in, I was really trying to find an area I was serious about because I was worried with the smaller selection of programs at the private school, they wouldn't have a program that interested me. I had several areas I considered but was still fuzzy on what I wanted to do so I made an immature decision and I chose a school not based on whether it would provide me with my academic needs, but with what kind of atmosphere I wanted in a school. Stupid, right?</p>

<p>My problem is, since Spring when I sent in my letter telling UW I wouldn't be accepting their offer I've really thought about what field I wanted to go into. I really love languages, I have a strength in the social sciences, and a strong interest in universal health care. That's when I realized that the International Studies major at uw is the best fit for me, especially since they have a Global Health track you can choose within the major!</p>

<p>The school I'm supposed to be attending in the fall doesn't have an int. studies major. And I'm actually interested now in taking some southeast Asian language courses, that uw has and my current school does not have this. My current school only offers 3 languages...</p>

<p>I also was unaware until recently what kind of a financial toll going to a private school will have on my family, and how my parents will be relying on other sources to put me through this private school (I was unaware of this when I made the decision). Graduate school is not an option, especially with the debt I will have after I graduate, even if I did try going to grad school instate uw's grad program is built for students with professional degrees and concurrent degrees, for example you have to get a double degree in business and int. studies, etc.</p>

<p>I just can't believe I chose the wrong school. I've decided paying 4 years for a private school that doesn't have a program I am not interested in and that I'm passionate about is not worth it. I've already built my schedule and told them I was planning on transferring, and I've made it so I'll be taking the prerequisites for my major of interest and the rest of the classes are ones that will fulfill the Area of Knowledge credits at uw, and the other general basic skills credits.</p>

<p>I know it's really difficult to transfer to UW, and that my chances are lower since i'm not a community college student with 90 credits...</p>

<p>I'm willing to sacrifice the small college environment I wanted for a program that I actually want to study. I am pretty much 100% sure this is what I want to do, and if for some bizarre reason I choose something else, everything major at my current school is offered at UW, and tuition is cheaper there also..</p>

<p><strong><em>What should I do? Should I transfer out after a semester? Or after a year? Or should I call the admissions now and tell them my situation? Or should I wait until the beginning of fall?</em></strong>*</p>

<p>My parents are paying tuition for my classes the first of next month and if I'm making a move I should do it before.</p>

<p>This is super long sorry but I REALLLLY appreciate any fast responses!!!</p>

2

<p>I think you should seriously sit down and speak with your parents about this - everything you said above. If you are dead certain that’s what you want to do you can contact UW and see if they will still let you attend. If not you might be able to take a year off to earn money and reapply next year.</p>

3

<p>I’m sorry you feel this way, but I’d suggest going into the smaller school with an open mind. Many people develop different interests during college and I’m sure the smaller school will offer something you’re interested in.</p>

<p>That said, if you feel the same way a year from now, transferring might be the best option.</p>

<p>Also, I don’t doubt you, but I find it bizarre that your college only offers 3 languages. My high school offered more than that… Out of curiosity, what school are you talking about?</p>

4

<p>yeah that’s not a bad idea, take a year off to work and reapply next year. or just transfer whenever you can.</p>

5

<p>…the University of Portland. They seriously only offer 3 languages. And yes, my high school to even offered more than that. I seriously feel like I’ve screwed myself over.</p>

6

<p>

Call. If you are truly serious about changing your mind, call and ask if you can have your spot back. If you can, then decide where to go from there. If not, well, sit back and enjoy your first semester/year at your new school anyway. </p>

<p>I know where you’re coming from. I was in your position a few years ago and did exactly what I just suggested. While I’m sure I would have been reasonably happy with my original school, my final choice was in the end a far superior fit, both academically and socially.</p>

7

<p>Universal Health Care… What a joke! Good one Obama.</p>

8

<p>IBclass06 - okay thank you! I’m glad you understand where I’m coming from. If I do get my spot back, I’m just afraid on how messy it will be, trying to find housing last minute and…all the year long contracts i’ve already made with my school… and the deposit… eh… but if it does work out it’ll be worth it in the end.</p>

<p>soccer102592 - not a fan of universal health care? I’m interested in having a career to improve the health care and quality of life in developing countries, and I think I’d like to eventually work for organizations like unicef in the future…</p>

9

<p>wait IBclass06 I’m confused did you eventually transfer? or did you call them and they gave you your spot back?</p>

10

<p>I asked for (and received) my spot back. Granted, I did do this towards the end of May (or early June?), and you’re a bit late in the game.</p>

11

<p>I think that you are mature for understanding that some times it is better to cut your losses and run. I am familiar with both University of Portland and University of Washington, and I think you are making the right choice. It seems that you should definitely contact UW about getting the spot back, I would imagine with the economy being what it is at the moment, you wouldn’t be the only person who decided that their family just can’t afford the private school option that seemed so great in the fall/spring of last year. If you can’t get your old spot back, perhaps you could start this semester as a non degree student, taking courses at UW and reapply for admission for the spring semester.</p>

12

<p>Call and see if they will admit you for fall. My son’s story is very similar to yours – basically he committed to a university, attended orientation and came home feeling he had made a mistake and should attend a different college. He called the next day and got everything set up. We just returned from orientation #2 and he is much, much happier. He couldn’t articulate the reasons as well as you have for the change. He just “knew.” This doesn’t have to be a big drama. All it takes is a phone call to find out where you stand.</p>