Should I Transfer?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I am a Sophomore at the University of Michigan. I want to go into the publishing industry, though I haven't decided if magazine or book publishing is the right choice for me yet. When I was doing my college search, my main concern was finding a good program for me. I was considering Creative Writing and Journalism. I ended up at the University of Michigan pursuing a double major in Creative Writing and Literature and Communications Studies. </p>

<p>I'm starting to have some doubts about if I am in the right place. I am a shy person, and Michigan is a big pond. I'm 3 hours away from my boyfriend of 5 years, and I'm sick of long distance; I'd like to actually get to experience college with him. Also, publishing is such an experience-based career, and I am worried that I am not getting any of the practical skills I will need in the field. To be honest, I've never felt quite like U of M was perfect for me. I keep trying to convince myself to stay, because my parents are so proud of the institution and there is a real prestige surrounding U of M.</p>

<p>I like being able to tell people I go to U of M, and the school is really great, but I don't know if it is right for me. I have been looking at transferring to Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. It is smaller and a private university. It has an English program for me that includes writing and journalism, and it would be closer to my boyfriend. It doesn't have quite the same prestige as Michigan, though, and it is a little more expensive. I like the idea of smaller classes and better relationships with professors, and I like the religious affiliation. The partying associated with college really annoys me, and I think Aquinas would have less of the party scene. </p>

<p>What do I do? Would a private university look better to employers or is U of M more well-known and so more impressive to employers? Is it worth all the work to transfer? Is it worth the conversation with and convincing of my parents? My biggest concern is that I will regret my decision. I don't want to look back and wish I had experienced college with my boyfriend, and I don't want to look back and wish I had stayed at Michigan. Any advice?</p>

2

<p>Why doesnt your boyfriend transfer to U of M or a school closer to you? </p>

<p>I personally think you should stay at U of M, which is much more “impressive” than the private college you mentioned.</p>

3

<p>I would stay at your school</p>

4

<p>First you have to decide why you’re transferring. If it’s because you don’t think the university is the right fit and that you aren’t getting the experience you need, then you should be looking at schools that will provide you with that experience whether it’s closer to your boyfriend or not. If it’s to be closer to your boyfriend, then you need to be honest about it because if you transfer because of him and things don’t work out at the new school or with him, you will definitely regret it.</p>

5

<p>Stay at Michigan. Definitely more prestigious, and likely to offer far more publishing-related opportunities. Is there a student literary magazine? Try to get involved. See if you can arrange an internship at U of M press. Talk to your professors! They have connections. Try to get a summer internship in publishing in NYC. </p>

<p>To get into publishing you must – most of all – have contacts. My bet is that they will be easier to come by at a major university than a small second-tier LAC.</p>