<p>I currently go to a small (around 2,000 people) college on the east coast, I was thinking about transferring due to how expensive the college is, (42,000 a year) I get sorta good financial aid about 15,000 off, but the rest I have to take with loans. I am a sophomore at this college and I feel like I haven't really clicked at this school, everyone has their groups/cliques based on their major, and then there is me. I have a few good friends, but outside of those people I don't really have a "group". I am quiet, but I really make friends one-on-one in individual settings, where we can have deep, meaningful conversations. The closest friend that I have here is very outgoing and sometimes I get stuck in her shadow. Outside of like 5 or 6 people here, I do not really like the people that go to this college. I have asked people to hang out/do stuff with me and they will make up excuses not to do stuff with me, there are also a lot of nerdy types at this college and I feel like we have nothing in common. I talk to people in my classes, but outside of the classroom we do not talk. I did not get as involved freshmen year because I had a hard time adjusting and spent most of my time studying/in my room. I am trying to get more involved this semester, but I do not want to do so much stuff so that my grades suffer. Academically, I like this college and it is challenging, but I have been getting good grades.
I thought I would enjoy this college and make friends easily because of the small atmosphere, but that has not been the case, and I know it is partly due to my own fault. Also the people here are not very friendly, I always have to be the one to initiate any type of conversation, even at freshmen orientation no one talked to me and I had to go out of my way to talk to people. Most of the people that go here are about 40% commuters and most people that go here are from the state and live within the area (even the people who live on campus). My roommates are all involved in the theater program here and I am the only roommate that is not involved. So they are all good friends, and I get along with them but they have more in common with each other. I feel like I am one of the only people who is 2 1/2 hours from home. Its not like I'm strange or bizarre looking, I am a normal looking girl and I am confident in how I look.I feel like I have to fight to make friends or impress people and be someone I'm not in order for people to even consider being friends with me.
I want to transfer because I feel like it is a waste of money to go to this college if I am not getting the real college experience. I also am hesitant to transfer because I do not want to start this whole experience all over again and then screw up. I hate being in new situations and not knowing anyone. I am thinking of transferring to a college closer to my family, and I am also considering another college that is 6 hours away. Things did not go as well freshman year at the college I am currently at because I feel like I was too invested in my family and friends back at home, and all I looked forward to was going home to see them (I am 2.5 hours from home). So I am thinking of transferring really far away so I will not be able to visit home as often, and that will force me to make friends at the new college. Or I was thinking of transferring to a college closer to home but living on campus so I can see my family more often. I also do not want to disappoint my family back home for transferring, I do not want them to think I'm a failure for not fitting in at this college. But I do not want to transfer to a different college and then not being able to make any friends at a new college. I am completely torn about what to do. I am sorry this is so long, I would appreciate any feedback, thank you!</p>
<p>The most important thing about college is the academic. You are there to get a degree not make friends. If you feel challenged and like you’re getting a good education I would suggest not transferring because of what credits might not transfer over. You are not a failure if you do transfer though! A lot of people don’t make the friends they wanted to. I went to a university for one semester, dropped 2 out of my four classes and none of those credits transferred anywhere, so I essentially wasted 30,000 dollars. Also I didn’t make one friend. But there my academics were not good. I think staying at your university would be the best option. Good luck! </p>
<p>Well, 40 percent commuters is kind of high.</p>
<p>I gotta ask, how many actual dollars are you taking out in loans each year? The math you gave us was $42k total, $15k grants and “the rest loans.” Are you really borrowing $27,000/a year for this school? I would transfer to a less expensive option!</p>
<p>I would go with either an in-state option or a school that has more aid (either merit or financial aid as in grants or work study not just loans). Most likely it will be hard to transfer at the semester unless you move fast. If you have to stay until June, get a part-time job and take out less loans. Otherwise, become a stage hand and do Tek (building the sets) for the play your friends are all in. It’s fun and you don’t have to act or sing in front of people. It is a great camaraderie behind stage. You might like it.</p>
<p>I am taking around 17,000 in loans every year. Thank you for your suggestions/and response! </p>
<p>$17,000 per year in loans is a rather large amount.</p>
<p>Do you have a major in mind yet? At this stage, transfer-friendly schools willing to admit you as a junior will want to see you ready to enter the upper division courses for your major. State universities are often more transfer-friendly; those in your home state may be more affordable (merit scholarships tend to be less available for transfers, and private schools are often less generous with financial aid for transfers). Obviously, your college GPA is important in determining whether you will be admitted to transfer to another school (and often major).</p>
<p>Yes, I am an Elementary Education major and I am set with this major and I have a 3.1 GPA. </p>
<p>Transfer does not equal failure. I don’t know the exact figures because it differs by school, but nearly 10% of students transfer to a new school after their first two years.</p>
<p>As far as the loans- that’s a lot. You’ll be looking at a $700/mo student loan payment when you get out. I would also suggest transferring to something cheaper or working during the summer (maybe even the school year) to chip-away at that debt.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>