Second academic suspension-What to do? (Asian International student)

Parents Forum
1

<p>To briefly explain my background, I went to a so-called one of the ‘elite’ schools for my freshman year, but due to its high tuition, I transferred to really mediocre state school (the ranking barely in top 100) for my sophomore year against my will due to financial situation. Terribly unmotivated with everything, I just flunked out my sophomore year, because I just hated everything about the school, and had no pride in school. I received my first academic suspension, and was on hiatus for one semester from school. I came back to the school for the spring semester, but then again received second academic suspension. I had no will whatsoever, because no matter how well I do in all of my classes, my GPA will never going to be even closely decent, and I still hated everything about the school. </p>

<p>Now, with total one year at ‘elite’ school (GPA 3.2) and one and half year at mediocre state school (unmentionanly low GPA), I don’t know where to go from this point. I’ve been diagnosed with major depression, and have ruined my relationship with parents, relationship with friends, and my precious early 20’s. </p>

<p>I want to start afresh somewhere I can take pride in, but persuading parents to let me start over would be difficult. I thought of universities in the UK, because UK universities have 3-year undergraduate system, and they are relatively cheap compare to that of prestigious private schools in the US. </p>

<p>Honestly, I don’t know what my best options are at this point. I know that I need help and others’ opinions. I feel really behind compare to all my friends who are graduating, going to grad school, or starting a career in the real world. I feel really miserable right now and can’t believe I’ve gotten myself into this situation. </p>

<p>I could technically come back to the current school after the semester away, but I don’t ever want to come back to this town. I’m just overwhelmed with life since I have no one to discuss with this wretched situation. Talk with the advisor at the university was pointless.
If there’s any advice you can give to me, I’d greatly appreciate. </p>

<p>Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>ds, You’ve been letting immaturity rule your life, it’s time to take control back. You need to start by being honest with yourself. You didn’t flunk out due to lack of pride in your school, you flunked out because you chose to not do the work, go to class, etc. That’s not the schools’ fault, it’s your fault.</p>

<p>Are you ready to accept responsibility for your actions? If you are, then you can create a wonderful future for yourself. If you are still going to blame others/situations for your troubles, then you have some growing up to do before making any big decisions.</p>

3

<p>i accept responsibility for my actions, it’s all my fault at the end of the day, im just really wondering what other options for me from this point, because it seems like going back to the same school isn’t the best thing i can do…</p>

4

<p>Take some time off. Get a job. Grow up. Forget about comparing yourself with your friends right now. Close your eyes and see yourself where you want to be in ten years. Forgive yourself. Go see a movie and get a slice of pizza. Take a shot at college again later.</p>

5

<p>Are you currently in treatment for depression? It sounds like it may be premature for you to consider returning to school right now. You need to get healthy first. I’m sorry that you do not feel that you can turn to your parents for support at this difficult time.</p>

6

<p>If you are an international student, you may NEED to leave the US because your visa may have expired or will be expiring if you are no longer a student. I agree that you should go back to your home country and get treatment for any depression and/or other conditions you have as well as getting a job. A job will help you figure out what you really want to pursue and help distinguish you from other applicants when you’re ready to return to school. You may have to start off in a community college (or its equivalent in your country) to boost your grades and show that you’ve turned the corner when you do return to school.</p>

<p>You have many options, but it’s important for your to get treatment so that you will have the good mental, emotional, physical health AND study skills to do well when you decide to return to school. Working at a job will also help you pay a larger share of your education costs and perhaps give you more of a voice about where you attend.</p>

7

<p>My question is, it is better if I start afresh from somewhere as a freshman, or just come back to the same school and continue? </p>

<p>I wish I can talk to someone who’s also going through the sam situation…</p>

8

<p>You can’t start over as a freshman. Any school you apply to will ask if you have attended elsewhere, and you are obligated to tell the truth. Your record is your record. </p>

<p>Some people are not well suited for college. Get a job, find out what the real world is like, and what education can do for you. You may find a field you love where you don’t need a college degree, or you may want to take some sort of specialized training. </p>

<p>A lot of young men struggle in their early twenties, and it’s a prime time for mental health issues to emerge. Give yourself a couple of years to settle your issues and learn how to cope with depression and whatever else is troubling you. If the first advisor or therapist didn’t help, find another one. You need someone to talk to. All this is an extra hurdle for you, and one that needs to be addressed seriously, before you think about returning to college full time.</p>

9

<p>You cannot just start over. You will be required to provide transcripts for ALL previous college courses. This is on ALL college applications. You can’t just pretend you had these other college experiences and just start over without them…sorry…not allowed.</p>

<p>Having said that, if you really have depression, I would suggest you deal with that first. Going to another college is NOT going to solve that problem…you need to see someone to figure this out. Going to the BEST college on the planet will not cure true depression. (note: I am not a mental health specialist so take this as my opinion).</p>

<p>I hope you don’t think this next paragraph is rough. You flunked out of college because you didn’t do the work. This has nothing to do with school pride or not liking the school…it was your unsatisfactory work progress that caused you to fail. There are many students who have to attend less expensive colleges and make the most of it…viewing it as a means to an end. They apply themselves and work hard despite not being particularly enamoured with the school. </p>

<p>How are you going to pay for this school if you return? </p>

<p>Do you have health insurance? If so, perhaps there is a mental health component to that and you can find someone to see and talk to. You could also see a clergyman.
I would suggest that you go back to your country (as others have noted…you are are here on a student visa which is clearly predicated on you being enrolled IN college with the financial resources to pay for it). Perhaps there is a college in your home country where you could take courses, and get your life back on the right road.</p>