Should I Transfer? Feeling Stuck

Transfer Students
1

Hey everyone,

First off, I’d like to thank everyone in advance for responding to this post. I really appreciate it.

Anyways, I feel like I’m in a little bit of a dilemma so I’ve come to you all for advice. I’m currently a sophomore at an Ivy League school, and I’m thinking I might want to transfer. The reasoning might be kind of hard to explain, but basically, since day 1 a year ago I never quite connected with my peers in a meaningful way. I don’t love the social scene as it is, and not having a consistent group of friends to hangout with has made my college experience pretty tough so far. It’s weird because I’m a social person and like to go out, but I’ve often found myself spending weekend nights alone and contemplating leaving the school.

I know the initial response will be to throw myself out there, etc. and try to connect with more people, but honestly, at this point I’m seriously considering transferring. The issue is that I know that the thing I’m most upset with currently is the biggest concern about transferring–making new friends, especially as a junior transfer. Culturally, I know there are schools that fit me better, so my reasoning definitely goes a little bit deeper than the social aspect, though that is a big element of it as well.

I’m fairly confident that I’d be at least a competitive applicant at some well-regarded schools, as by the time of my application my GPA will likely be in the 3.6-3.8 range.

So I guess my question is: is it worth trying to transfer and find a better atmosphere somewhere else? Or should I try to stick it out and hope my situation improves?

Anyways, thanks again. I’m looking forward to hearing some input from people besides myself.

2

Yes, I think this is a good enough reason to consider transferring.

3

I’m in your exact same spot right now. It made me feel even a little better to read your post, you certainly have more guts than I do in terms of speaking up. I haven’t really made many friends either, but I am “involved” and social. Something just is not adding up, and it’s been not adding up for too long now. My issue is double-edged with the one you mentioned – that is, if transferring would only alienate me further in the social background of my new school, and the fact that I have come to be really really good friends with my current professors, who I hesitate to talk about transferring with.

Ironically, I am applying for transfer admission into an Ivy. While I know generally people transfer schools for a variety of reasons such as costs and academics, I think it is important to understand that your concern is very valid - if you can’t call the university home, that is an essential factor of the academic experience (social environment and culture) the university is not offering you in my opinion. Don’t second guess yourself.

I am applying for transfer admission elsewhere, and I think you should too. You should send in an application at the very least, so if they say no, you can at least say you tried everything you could.

Best of luck, and keep us posted.