Premed Transfer/Life Advice

<p>I am pretty lost right now. I'm a sophomore at Northwestern and I and I'm not sure what to do about both my academic and my social situation. I posted on CC last year about transfer but eventually I grew to enjoy school and decided that transferring would be a mistake. I went into this year with that attitude and expected to love school even more. Instead I have found quite the opposite. Academically I feel stuck with my major and that to change would completely throw off my plans. I'm a Psychology major right now but would like to switch to Anthropology, but another downside is that there are far fewer opportunities for research and independent study in the Anthropology department. I don't know whether to stick with psych, where I have only a few classes left to complete the major and have significant research experience, or if I should switch. Double majoring in both would be difficult if not impossible.</p>

<p>Socially I have really come to dislike the Greek system and it's divisiveness on campus. I am not trying to complain about the social scene or turn kids off to NU. It just seems however, that for someone who's unaffiliated the options are very limited. For me the on-campus party scene just feels very high school and isn't what I would have hoped for in college. And although I thought this wasn't a big deal last year, Greek life really can dominate on-campus social life and so it does weigh heavily on my situation.</p>

<p>I can't get over this feeling of being stuck. I don't know if it's just the sophomore slump or if these concerns are legitimate. I do know that they are weighing heavily and my experience this year has been far from positive and that I haven't enjoyed myself all quarter. It's hard to describe but it seems like I have lost something here and I'm simply going through the motions.</p>

<p>This pretty much sums up my situation. I don't know whether this is cause to transfer, or even consider applying. I have done very well at Northwestern academically and have really gotten involved in everything I would have hoped to as far as extracurriculars go. I think that leaving would hinder the achievements I've made thus far and I don't know if would do as well academically at another school. I also don't know that it is worth it to transfer after two years, since I would be half done anyway. Transfer would also likely limit my study abroad opportunities.</p>

<p>I'm sorry for the long post but if anyone could just give me some input on what they think and what you would do in the situation. It's tough because there's a lot of pros to NU and also a few large cons and I don't really know how to sort them out. Any help would be great.</p>

<p>hi! im actually a freshman right now at a very prestigious art school and pretty much went for that reason even though I have always imagined myself at a university with the whole package as far as a "college experience" goes. At my current school its more of an alternative social life and im not doing well academically because my heart isnt really in it. I think its just art overload and im struggling. Im basically figuring out whether to stay or go to my boyfriends school that is one out of 13 in new england that offer my major. i assume most ppl will think the switch would only be for him but i truly love the school. what do you think i should do?</p>

<p>as far as your situation it may be smart to stick it out since youre already so involved in your life there. if you are truly unhappy get out</p>

<p>jgd661 - You may want to consider a junior year away from Northwestern. This could be in a junior year abroad program, or in a domestic junior year exchange program. If Northwestern doesn't have a formal program for this, you may be able to arrange an independent program (for example spending a semester at a college/university where you can concentrate on anthropology coursework). Northwestern used to have an archeology field school in Kampsville, IL. Even a semester doing something like that might revive you a bit.</p>

<p>axwx098 - Lots of people who go to art institutes or drama/music conservatories decide that they want to have a broader educational experience. Transferring to regular colleges and universities is pretty common. I'd suggest that you apply to more than one place. You may really like the school where your boyfriend is, but there always is the chance that you won't be admitted, or that you would be admitted but without enough financial aid. Be sure to give yourself a couple of options.</p>