should i transfer? social scene/location/better options out there? PLEASE HELP!

Transfer Students
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<p>I'm currently finishing up my first semester at Tulane University and I've thought seriously several times over the course of the semester about transferring, but it's hard to figure out what the best thing to do is or if my issues are altogether big enough to transfer. I'm just going to throw out a whole bunch of information, I appreciate whatever input you all have! I'd love if you'd even just skim it!!</p>

<p>I am a math and public health major/spanish minor, considering swapping the spanish and math. Tulane's public health program has a very good reputation, and they offer a good 5 year masters program, but their math program is notoriously weak and that has been very disappointing (I took Calc III, so it wasn't really entry-level). I hope to go into biostatistics later, but I'm not sure if I should be making my decision based on this program alone when I still only have a basic knowledge of it.</p>

<p>I'm not totally impressed with the teaching quality so far, especially in math. My other professors haven't been engaging, but I probably can't say much about this since I've only been here for a semester.</p>

<p>The social scene is not a great fit for me. I'm fairly introverted, but am outgoing in more comfortable settings - the issue at Tulane is that many students are stand-offish, unfriendly, and unlike me. I am more laid back-earthy-outdoorsy-artsy-casual, whereas a lot of students are superficial, privileged, preppy, snobby, or just have a different idea of fun than I do. There's also a LOT of money around here and it shows in peoples' attitudes as well as social activities - I don't receive monthly checks from my parents, so it's hard to keep up. Nor do I want to. I've found friends that aren't like this, but it's not a social scene I thrive in and I know there are some out there somewhere that would help me come out of my shell more.</p>

<p>I love New Orleans a lot, but Tulane is a bubble very different from the city and I have to live on campus for the first 2 years. Honestly, the idea of this makes me very unhappy - I find myself increasingly excited to go home and see people I'm comfortable with, etc. - I've even looked into study abroad options for the fall next year. I really feel like I belong somewhere out west, maybe in the mountains (Northern AZ, CO, Pacific NW) where people are more into hiking and outdoor stuff rather than clubbing. I do drink, but I'm not into the get wasted-go clubbing-hook up with a random guy every weekend thing that's popular around here. I just love the laid back, more nature/adventure-oriented atmosphere of the west, and have a feeling I would get along with more people there, pursue experiences that I've been craving, and cultivate lifestyle I've wanted for a long time.</p>

<p>All of these things being said, I have enjoyed a lot of my experiences at Tulane - I fall in love with the city every time I go in, I like the music scene, and I've made some good friends - I just feel like it doesn't quite click and that there are better options. I'm also worried about transferring as I'm shy when I first meet people and though I'll try to put myself out there, I have a feeling I'll revert back to my old ways after a while, especially because I've never been much of an ec club enthusiast (tough to commit). That's been a bit of an issue here, too, though I think some of that is because I feel so different from so many people. Not sure if going to a bigger school would be worse for this..? I'm thinking about U Washington, UC Berkeley, or Northern AZ U. I got a 25k scholarship from Tulane, and money is a factor but not the only one! Tulane's still pricey! THANK YOU FOR ANY COMMENTARY!</p>

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<p>I’m sorry that you are feeling the way you do. I can’t tell you what you should do. But I do want to share that my DD went to one of her top choice colleges and really didn’t meet “her people” till sophomore year. Only you can judge if you’ve made your best effort in this area because, if you haven’t, you will have the same issue no matter where you go.</p>

<p>If public health is your primary interest (and since you have a major scholarship from an extremely well-regarded private university), I might not think about jumping ship so quickly. That public health program is amazing (based on going to Tulane info session, visiting campus, and what I’ve heard from a parent of a current student in that program).</p>

<p>Also, I think that many (or even most) universities are in a bubble separate from the town/city they are located in. Probably not true for city schools like BU, NYU. I actually think Tulane does a great job in getting students involved in the city (TIDES, community service requirements) - again this is from my perspective as the parent of a prospective. </p>

<p>You really have to put down the pros and cons – then seriously and honestly ask yourself if you are being judgmental, putting forth your best effort, etc. In addition, think about what other schools you would be interested and ask yourself if you are judging them based on what you think the kids are like (outdoorsy, e.g.) or actual knowledge of kids there. I don’t anything at all about the west coast schools you mentioned (isn’t Berkeley pricey too?), but do they have the programs you want, the level of education you can get at Tulane, etc. Only you can decide. This is just my two cents. Good luck to you, whatever you decide.</p>

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<p>D1, a junior at Tulane joined some outdoorsy club (don’t know the name) and went on several camping/hiking trips in Mississippi and Alabama. It was in this club that she met similarly interested students. You seem pretty clear about what it is you like and what is missing from your life. I would suggest you join a club like this Spring semester and see if this enables you to meet “your people.”</p>

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<p>“I’m currently finishing up my first semester at Tulane University.”</p>

<p>That’s the key. It’s too soon to judge Tulane (or anywhere else). Many students experience a ‘slump’ after all the excitement of starting college, when the realize that the place they have chosen isn’t perfect and the people they are living with aren’t automatic ‘good fits.’ (And yes, any expensive school will have rich kids who take it for granted.) It will take another quarter (or two if you are an introvert) to find those who are like you. Know that half freshman class will be heading home from Tulane shortly, saying the exact same things you are about the social environment. They too are still looking for their people.</p>

<p>I would also find other students in your major to ask about what courses would make sense given your background and goals, and who the best profs are. Reach out to some of the faculty too. Start developing relationships that can result in good internships and research opportunities.</p>

<p>Pretty much all schools (except the really urban ones) are ‘bubbles’ to a greater or lesser extent. They do it on purpose to create a community. If the community proves not to be a fit, it’s possible to get away starting with study abroad in junior year and/or moving off campus.</p>

<p>That said, there is no shame in transferring if you really have given it your best shot.</p>