Hello to whomever is reading.
I’m currently a freshman at GSU… I like GSU, but I found myself always asking myself, “Will I make the most out of my college experience here?” I don’t hate GSU, but I definitely don’t love it either. I want to transfer out but I always find a reason to stay, like 1) I will have a better GPA here and 2) it’s in Atlanta where I will have many opportunities. I’m a Biology major and am working to get into a PA program. I know that GPA is crucial for me when applying for PA schools, so I want to maintain above a 3.8, which I find will be pretty easy to achieve here knocks on wood. It’s only my first semester in college, and the classes are pretty easy, but I’m worried that if I transfer to Emory, my GPA will fall. But then again, I feel like I’m not being challenged enough. If Emory isn’t an option, I’m also thinking about transferring to UGA, but that will be my last resort if transferring will be a good idea for me.
I’m only in college once, and I feel like my college experience here at GSU will not be a great one. Any advice will be extremely helpful. Thanks!
Being challenged in university is not the same as being challenged in grade school. There isn’t a wealth of knowledge you are going to receive at a top university that cannot be received at those that are ranked much lower. When people talk about the workload being challenging, they mean that high expectations are common to the school. The work is much more laborious and the students are often more stressed as a result. It doesn’t mean that if you study at a top research institute you will come out of it as an expert on subjects that the students at the local college received. Particular in maths and natural sciences.
Healthcare is about the least pretentious field out there. Its ruthlessly competitive, but they couldn’t care less whether their health professionals attended a average or elite university. They are hiring trained professionals; not theorists or intellectuals. You would benefit far more from staying where you are comfortable than transferring on the hope that things will be more exciting elsewhere. Seeking out more “challenge” is great if you are pursuing a career where elitism matters, but if you seek it out because you imagine that it will be as enlightening as it was in grade school than that is a recipe for regret.
And this is coming from someone who adores education and research, but more challenge at the university level means more tedious work and endless readings far more often than more practical takeaway. If things are running smoothly right now, then cherish this moment!
@jshin97 I do realize this is a bit late, but did you end up transferring? I was recently rejected by Emory and am looking forward to transferring to Emory. If you got accepted to Emory or know anyone who successfully transferred to Emory, can you post his/her stats? Emory is my dream university and any help will be greatly appreciated!