Hi!
I am currently a sophomore studying public health on the pre-med track at a top 100 university w/8,000 undergrads on a major East Coast city. I have good enough grades and activities to transfer to a top University. Unfortunately, I haven’t had the best luck at my University.
I came to the school expecting to study International Relations, which the school is ranked within the top 20. However, I changed my entire track this past fall (as mentioned). I did so with caution, knowing that the university lacks in the sciences (don’t get me wrong - the university is great for everything but the sciences!); there are only 3 labs, all of which are in very rough shape (lab equipment breaks constantly, etc.) and the professors are not good. In addition to the academic faults, the pre-med population is extremely small (only about 200 undergrads total). It is also very difficult to get involved with research or tap into the pre-med community on campus, which is why I’ve had to turn to off-campus volunteering at hospitals and internships with doctors for guidance.
My freshman year went okay - my classes were fine but I wasn’t studying what I wanted (science) and I found the student body to be overwhelmingly boring (everyone studies the same thing). I was planning to transfer to NYU during the fall of my sophomore year (this past fall), but they didn’t give me any aid so I didn’t go. Despite the unfortunate circumstance, I am a very positive person so I came into this year with a good mindset - get good grades, try to tap into any pre-med resources on campus, form relationships with professors, etc. Despite this, I am concerned at the academic quality and rigor of my science classes. I wouldn’t be too concerned, but I know that the MCAT is a reflection of your science knowledge, which is expected to come from your undergraduate science courses.
Overall, I want more out of my college experience - I want professors who are more organized and willing to get to know
students who show interest, I want a higher quality of academics (so I feel more comfortable going into medical school), and I want to meet more students who are studying what I’m studying. At the moment, I feel as though I am not growing as a person (this is the most important thing!) and will not be prepared or happy when I earn my degree from this University.
However, I am concerned about the academic and social transition to new school. I’ve heard it is difficult to transfer as a junior. I am worried about this, plus the fact that I am a pre-med student. I’m not sure if it would be worth it - I would only be attending the new school for 2 years, I’m not sure if the social adjustment period would create issues with my academic success, and I would be giving up studying abroad (if I stayed at my current institution, I could study abroad in Europe next fall).
Please share any advice/if you or you know anyone who’s been through something similar.
