Hello, I’m a freshman and I’m considering to transfer. I am currently attending school with a quarter system. My school is regarded prestigious but I don’t think I am happy here. I am Seriously considering transferring to other school with a similar rigor. Because of this, I am hesitant dropping one of my 4 classes this quarter and taking three courses. Two of them are considered high level/honour courses. I am dropping one because this first quarter as a freshman has been overwhelming for me and I am trying to get bettergrades for remaining three rather than do bad/mediocre on all four. Will my decision to drop a class this fall quarter affect my chances to be accepted to other schools as a transfer?
There is no question at all that doing bad/mediocre work in 4 classes will prevent you from transferring to a school of similar rigor, right? Why would they even consider taking you? Of course, 3 classes with better grades raises the question of whether you are able to cope with a full workload. But even more to the point, why would they take you at all after just one quarter? Some variation on “I don’t like the school, it’s not a good fit” isn’t going to be compelling since you’ve barely given the place a chance. If I were an adcom, I’d wonder if the problem was your ability to adjust rather than an issue with the school - and not want to import that problem into my own school. So you’ll need to make a more persuasive case - and probably have to give it at least another quarter.
Realize too that if you spend your time thinking about how to transfer rather than how to get what you want out of your current environment, you are setting yourself up for an unhappy experience. People shy away from those who are vocal about their unhappiness and their plans to leave. No one wants the cognitive dissonance or to invest their time in someone who isn’t staying.
Why not put off ideas of transferring for at least another quarter, buckle down academically (find a study group, tutors, use office hours), and invest socially in a few activities. You’ll know by the end of second quarter if this is going to work out for you or not.