I am just wondering if some of you who have transferred could tell me a little bit about why you transferred (and if you are happy with your decision). I am seriously considering transferring but am wondering if I just need to give it more time. What are some telltale signs that someone should transfer schools? Thank you!
Are you currently at a four year institution? If so, what are some of the things that are bothering you that makes you feel like you want to transfer?
@mochibbycake Yes, I am currently a freshman at a top 10 four year university. The amount of pressure and competition here is intense and I don’t know if it is worth it. Many of the great opportunities and resources that they advertise are not actually available to me. I used to love learning, but now I hate it. When I had to return this week, I spent an hour sobbing to my parents because I wanted to do anything but come back. I’ve made some great friends here, but I am always sad and depressed while at school. I went to counseling last semester and it helped a little bit. The depression practically goes away when I know a break is coming up and when I go home. I am just wondering if this is normal or if transferring somewhere else would help me. If I transferred, I would go to a LAC that is smaller than my current institution.
@15moel Is this your first year there? How are you doing academically? There is certainly a big difference between feeling challenged and failing. You mentioned it’s a competitive school, so I am guessing your instructors challenge you a lot. It is possible that you are just shocked, since I imagine this is not quite what you expected. In addition to that you are probably homesick. If that’s the case, snap out of it. You are there because you deserve to be there. Top schools are pretty selective and do not accept those who don’t have a potential to succeed.
At the same time, if you feel that you are failing, you might want to look into transfers. But remember, at a different school the grass may not be greener.
@lenocturne It is my first year here; I only have one semester under my belt. My GPA is currently 3.87, so I am doing well academically. I am not homesick, my life at home is far less than perfect and I have not once wanted to return home. I am not worried about doing well academically. I have actually stopped caring all together, but I know that I need a good GPA and extracurriculars to get into dental school. However, the atmosphere here is very competitive and the academics are obviously very challenging. It would be nice to spend some time doing something other than homework and studying. I am just inexplicably unhappy here.
TBH, the path to dental school is not supposed to be easy. This may be a shock to some people, but the main priority of going to a competitive university is to do well academically.
Pre health tends to have considerable competition everywhere.
Signs that you should transfer? Can’t afford the school anymore or you’re attending a 2 year. That’s it. Really.
@15moel, you have clearly been struggling with this for a while. A big part of transferring is being able to articulate what you want to leave and what you want to go to. There is some piece that is missing from the equation that you have presented: afaik, you are deciding between staying at Duke and transferring to St Olaf. From here (drawing on your other posts), it looks as though you have set your eyes on St Olaf and won’t be happy until you can make a case for why you should go there- but you have given no info on why you are so set on St Olaf. Do you have friends / a particular friend there?
Also, ‘the depression practically goes away when a break is coming’ and ‘I’ve stopped caring all together’ sound like warning bells- consider going back to counseling.