So this is a long rant and I’m sorry. So I am currently a freshman at GCSU, which is Georgia’s “public liberal arts school”. I went here because 1) it’s in state and Georgia gives you the HOPE scholarship for decent grades, and 2) my dad really wanted me to go here. It’s in a small town, it’s a small school, and the whole school and me being here makes me feel constant discomfort. I was literally sobbing the whole time I drove here last time I left home. I know I’m not homesick, even though that’s what I’m telling everyone, but I do miss being in a city in general, and the mass of people and melting pot of cultures that go with that. Everyone here seems to love this school, and I just can’t do it. I know I want to transfer, and my dad is making me stick it out another semester, but the thought of being here for another six months makes me feel physically ill. I’m also confused about where I want to transfer to. The dream would be an out of state school in a major city, but my parents won’t pay (and they shouldn’t be expected to), and I’m scared to take out loans. The school I like that’s in state isn’t the best (but it’s not bad), and my parents also don’t want me to go there. They’re trying to get me to apply to UGA, but I’m not into the whole football school mentality. My gut is telling me to apply to my dream school, which is George Mason in Fairfax, VA, but I’m so scared of the money matter. I also don’t know what I want to major in, and I’ll be a sophomore next semester, and I need to have an idea before I transfer. I just feel lost, and this whole situation is causing my anxiety to flare up. Any suggestions for anything? I don’t even know if I made sense
You can only borrow the standard student loans on your own: $5,500 freshman year, $6,500 sophomore year, $7,500 junior year, and $7,500 senior year. How much can your parents pay? If whatever they pay plus the student loan amount will cover your costs at GMU, well then go ahead and apply there. If not, well then don’t waste your time applying there.
Have you spoken with anyone in the student counseling office at GCSU? If not, then get yourself in there bright and early tomorrow morning. Their whole job is to help students figure out their lives. They can help you sort through all the issues that you are dealing with so that you are in the best position to transfer out if you decide that is what you want to do.