Questions for Brown transfer - help plz

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>I’m currently a sophomore at a top LAC. After a long conversation with an acquaintance last week, I realized that my incessant unhappiness with/at my school wasn’t something that would eventually go away like I thought my entire freshman year… I figured I had just not adjusted to college as quickly as everyone else had, but now I’m sure that my school just isn’t the right fit. There aren’t enough people (the suffocatingly small number of students means that there are finitely fewer of each type of person/personality, if that makes sense), the surrounding town is too dead/quiet, the attitude/atmosphere of the students and staff and sometimes faculty is frustrating because nothing gets done… I could go on, but I don’t want to turn this thread into a rant.</p>

<p>As a high school senior on the night before May 1, I was deciding between Brown and my current school. It was a really difficult decision for me since I was so intent on not making the wrong choice (ha), but now I wonder will my previous acceptance to Brown will help my transfer application? My record of academics and activities (and articulation ability, probably) in HS is admittedly much more impressive than what I’ve managed to accomplish in my freshman year of college and what I’ve done as a sophomore – this I attribute to my overall dissatisfaction with the general culture of the school… I think it’s really gotten in the way of my performance. among other things.</p>

<p>Speaking of which, I’m taking organic chemistry this semester, but I’m not doing so hot… I’m home on fall break right now but as soon as I get back to campus I’m going to see my professor (who doesn’t have a Ph.D. yet, which bugs the heck out of me; essentially I’m being ‘taught’ by a graduate student – this isn’t supposed to happen at a LAC, much less at one that promises all classes are taught by professors with the highest degree in their field) about a mid-term progress report because the drop deadline is before the end of the week. For my transfer app, will it look bad to have dropped a course? Will it be worse to have a bad grade on my transcript? FYI, I’m thinking it’s probably in the B- or C range. :(</p>

<p>I’m also wondering if it’s worth it to transfer if I am admitted to Brown again. **As a junior transfer, I won’t be able to study abroad<a href=“I%20called%20admissions%20and%20an%20adcom%20told%20me%20this,%20though%20I%20didn’t%20ask%20if%20it%20would%20be%20possible%20if%20I%20were%20to%20take%20longer%20to%20earn%20my%20degree%20–%20but%20this%20is%20a%20completely%20different%20can%20of%20worms%20that%20I%20don’t%20know%20if%20I%20want%20to%20think%20about”>/b</a>. Study abroad was/is one of the main aspects of the college experience for me, so this of course poses a formidable problem.</p>

<p>If I stay at my current institution I can go through with my original study abroad plans (Peru this summer, Beijing or London either next fall or next spring, Japan after graduation with JET), but I fear running the risk of not ever being happy and not ‘growing up’ (I find that upon matriculation, my brain and heart have come to a sad standstill) and worst of all not even graduating due to overwhelming personal issues, again stemming from the school.</p>

<p>On the other hand, there must be some options (though not exactly the same programs that I’ve scoped out, as mentioned) for post-baccalaureate study abroad? But I don’t know much, if anything at all, about them… And I can imagine that they would be few and far between, especially sponsored fellowships like Watson or Fulbright, which are difficult to get anyway.</p>

<p>I wonder if I would be able to petition study abroad, because even though I’m a transfer, it seems really unfair. This is probably the policy at other schools too but I haven’t looked as closely (haven’t called up other admissions offices). However, the fact that it took me one year too long to realize that I need to leave is my fault, so maybe I should suck it up…</p>

<p>If you’re out there lurking CC – could you share some feedback/advice/stories?
**- Junior transfers

  • Brown transfers
  • Current Brown students**, can I contact you via PM/email/etc. for details about life at Brown? I would really appreciate it if you could spare the time. If you have friends who might be willing to help, that would be awesome too! Even more than I didn’t want to screw up making my college decision two years ago, I really don’t want to mess it up now.</p>

<p>I have entertained the thought of transferring to other schools and I’ve looked around on their websites, but none give me as much hope for patching my life back together as Brown does. That sounds cheesy but it’s really how I feel. I’m definitely open to suggestions though.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I encourage you not to pin your hopes of future growth and happiness on Brown. First of all, Brown takes very few transfers, so your chances of getting in are slim off the bat. Second, if you did get in, it's not likely to live up to your expectations for turning your life around. The opportunities for personal growth are already there right where you are, and won't magically appear by moving somewhere else.</p>

<p>It does sound as though a small LAC is too confining for you, so you could look into a transfer to a different university, perhaps a highly-rated public. Another plan would be to stay where you are and spend as much time as possible overseas/at affiliated campuses.</p>

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<p>I cannot answer your specific questions regarding Brown University, but can tell you that--although it was a long time ago--I experienced the same feelings while at a small (2,000+ students) LAC. I never transferred, but I did study abroad in Europe, Asia & a month in the Soviet Union. It still wasn't enough. Then I attended law school at a large university. For me, it was heaven on earth. Decades later, there is no warmth or nostalgic connection to my LAC which has a gorgeous campus. In short, I understand & I think that leaving Pomona may be right for you. I came alive at the large university; I suffocated at the LAC.
Cornell, Northwestern & Michigan--in addition to Brown--may be options to consider.</p>

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<p>You can study abroad you just won't get credit for it. But if you want to be here longer and pay more money you could do that. That's the situation I faced, and decided not to go anywhere while I'm at Brown.</p>

5

<p>wolfmanjack, were you a junior transfer?</p>

6

<p>yes.......</p>

7

<p>FWIW, realize that from Brown's perspective, how can we allow someone to transfer in junior year and then go abroad and still receive a Brown degree when less than half their college experience was at Brown?</p>

<p>It is a protection mechanism to ensure we do not dilute our degree by accepting transfers and maintain a tight-hold on what we define as a Brown degree.</p>

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<p>wolfmanjack-
Okay, just making sure. Where did you go to school before Brown, if you don't mind me asking? How does it compare classes/people/opportunities-wise?</p>

<p>modestmelody-
Yes I do realize this and it makes perfect sense.</p>

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<p>I went to a community college, so it's not a good comparison.</p>