<p>I'm sorry you're unhappy. If it gets to the point where you are certain to transfer (but I think you might want to stick it out for a bit longer...) you might want to check out the Cronkite School at ASU. The Cronkite School has a much better reputation than ASU as a whole and will be relocated to downtown Phoenix in fall 08. This new stand alone school will give the students easy access to internships (Arizona Republic, TV stations, sports complexes all within walking distance) They are building new dorms and building that will house the campus TV station and a local affiliate.
I don't know much about the Hillel but ASU does draw a large # of students from California.</p>
<p>OP, life's too short to be unhappy. As another poster mentioned, most transfer application periods close around March 1, so you may want to get out at least a few applications. I would assume that you are a good writer, so essays should not be a problem. The schools WILL want to know why you want to transfer, so just be as articulate as you have been here and I think you'll be fine. Do remember that you will need to get SAT and transcripts - from both HS and college - to any school you apply to. UW-Madison, as well as several of the others listed are all good choices. A journalism degree from the #1 school, or the #10 males no difference. It mostly depends on how well you deliver (with a helping of 'who you know' on the side).</p>
<p>FFBurger and others, the OP's desire to have a wider Jewish population is not necessarily about religious identification, or isolating one's self in a specific social niche. It is more often a cultural or traditional recognition preferences, i.e. knowing that there are other's in your community that share similar cultural backgrounds and values.</p>
<p>I have to really question the post a few up-"practice your religion privately"?Like Anne Frank? Why should the OP have to do that? She says there have been hate crimes against Jews in her dorm, and she was harrassed for putting up Hanukkah decorations. The reason she mentioned "10 people" is because 10 people are required to have a Jewish service. OP, get out of there! It is hard to believe that students a a big university be so clueless, but then you read some of the comments here, and...</p>
<p>This is my first post ever - I have been reading CC on and off for a couple of years, as my kids have gone through the admissions process - but I was truly moved, and a bit troubled, by pf2jay's predicament. My advice is to look into transferring (and quickly) and I believe you've gotten some great suggestions from other posters as to good journalism programs at other schools that may be a better fit for you. Certainly Northwestern, Indiana, Columbia, Maryland, Wisconsin, American... I'll add Boston University to the list. Don't feel trapped by a decision you made a year ago if it feels wrong now. Lots of kids transfer after the first year - from a big school to small, from rural to urban, from far away to close to home. If you need a different environment, and with more Jewish students and Jewish life, you should seek it out. You don't realize what is going to be important to you at college until you are there. This is a legitimate consideration for a Jewish student. Do not be afraid of disappointing your parents - I'm certain they want whatever is best for you and will support you, especially when they hear all the reasons.</p>
<p>My big concern, what prompted me to post, is that I think you are feeling very, very low right now, and if things don't turn around, you may fall into a real depression which will affect your grades, your health, and everything else. Again, you should talk to your parents so they understand what you are going through - or someone else if you can't go to them. I don't mean to be an alarmist here - for one thing, in my experience this is the point of a student's freshman year when they sometimes get a little down - the excitement of being away at college has worn off a bit, the weather may be miserable, etc. - but you sound very alone and lonely. Don't be afraid to admit that this school may have been wrong for you, and look into your options (which are many). If you decide to transfer you may feel that a great weight is lifted and it may free you to enjoy the rest of this year where you are.</p>
<p>Best of luck to you.</p>
<p>pf2jay -- That was very classy of you to apologize to midmo.<br>
I'm sorry your first year has been so tough. Good luck!</p>
<p>Ther is nothing wrong with wanting to have a warm jewish environment,and ther is no reason to "practice Privately'
You can expand your wings, but there are some issues that are important to be happy, and if active Jewish community is a requirement for you, why not?
go for it, freely!</p>