Risk "going away" to school again?

College Search & Selection
1

In the Fall of 2014, I attended UC Santa Cruz. While it had it’s charms, I ultimately ended up hating it. I got terribly homesick, which I didn’t expect at all. I’m a pretty independent person, but I grew up in Orange County and NorCal was a little too… eccentric for me. I never toured the school before I accepted and moved in, because it was the only school I got accepted to that I thought I would like. I got a tad bit involved, I was on a student senate and was in a few mentoring groups for STEM majors. I made a few friends, mainly one of my roommates, but I ended up hating it too much so I got out while I could. I’m not particularly proud of my choice, as many thought I should stick it out, it’s normal to get homesick, etc. Maybe I should have, but I was trying to do what I thought was best for me. I wasn’t on any financial aid, so I decided to not make my parents pay the 10k/quarter for a school that didn’t make me happy. I ultimately ended up withdrawing after my first quarter, and went to a CC for the spring semester.

Now, a year later, I’m facing transfer applications, and the same question is coming up. Where do I want to go?

On one hand, I’d like to stay really local. UCI is a 20 minute drive from me, many people I know have gone there, I’m familiar with the campus, and I could stay living at home and save money.

On the other hand, I’d like to branch out a little. I really want to live on a campus, and give it another shot with a school that I actually scope out beforehand that seems more attuned to me. I’m not talking about going across the country or anything, but some place at least a few hours away from home, where I can have the “college experience”.

Any opinions on this? Is the “college experience” even that real for transfer students? If I got homesick once, would I get homesick again, and leave? That’s what I’m terrified of… being unhappy again.

Schools I’ve thought of (not necessarily seriously): UCI, UCLA, Chapman, CSUF, CSULB, USC, UCSB, Cal Poly SLO & Pomona… probably stay within the California school system, but I’m not opposed to other suggestions.

As for my personality: I’m more of an introvert, but I really brighten up around people I like. I don’t like partying at all, never done drugs, etc. So that kind of scene is a huge turnoff for me. My idea of a good time is playing stupid board or video games with a few good friends, hiking, geocaching, etc.

Academic Standing: Coming from high school, my GPA wasn’t very good. I think I had a 3.6ish, with about 6 AP classes and a 2050 SAT. Now I have a 3.8 GPA, with one “W” in a Calculus course (that I’m retaking this coming semester).

2

Also, I’m planning on applying as a Business major. Not sure what specific type yet, but most likely somewhere in that realm.

3

IMO, the transfer experience can be more difficult than the freshman experience. As a transfer you will be walking into an environment where most people know the ropes of the school, have a strong base of friends so it is harder to seamlessly fit it as compared to joining a freshman group that is all new to the school. I think you need to honestly look at yourself and decide where you will be happiest and most comfortable. If you do transfer to an “away” school I suggest you visit the school first to see if you feel comfortable. Another thought might be to live at UCI to get the away experience and still have the touchstone of being close to home.

4

I think there is always risk, but perhaps lesser now, plus you have the experience of going far away under your belt. Plus, maybe the drug culture at UCSC is an odd case, as in not common everywhere. I would apply to all those schools on your list, but if UCB accepts you, make sure you go and visit before attending. The environment at UCB may not be for everyone.

5

This is really a case of ‘know thyself’. You really can’t look too much externally to make yourself happy. You have to be the sort of person who creates your own experience most everywhere.