The Effects of Transferring.

Transfer Students
1

<p>So I just had a wonderful frosh year at my SUNY New Paltz school (I know. It's not big league to enter rankings, but it's definitely a school that stood out); it was filled with ups and downs, and was overall an experience I will not forget. </p>

<p>Due to family issues, I'll be making a big move to Houston, TX. I'm having a hard time trying to find a school for me. I have no major as of right now since I thought I had the end of my sophomore year to make a decision, but with my family hounding me, and with my friends having decided majors, I feel pressured to make my life choice like right frickin now. I know my friends could change their majors, and I know abruptly deciding on something could be detrimental, but man! </p>

<p>I just don't know if I'm wasting time and money by transferring without a set major. It doesn't look like there's enough time to transfer for Fall Semester, and so I'm hoping to use the Career Resource Center at NP as often as I can to hopefully reach an epiphany or something.</p>

<p>I know I can make it anywhere if I really want something. It's just ... I don't know what I want/need right now and it's bothering me. My GPA isn't the best right now (Fall:3.0 Spring:3.4) because I got so involved with campus affairs and exploring my choices, but I don't want to dawdle anymore. Time feels like it's running out and I don't want to waste my parents' money. I'm the first kid of the generation to attend school in states, so they're on edge about me being undecided because all their lives they've have set goals.</p>

<p>It's just.. jeez! Really frustrating. I've taken tests online, in my school, and I've had input from other people, but no career really sticks out. I just know I love to talk, I love learning languages and the cultures they represent, and I'd love to do something on an international level. </p>

<p>I'm so drained right now from everything. That and I'm sick, lol. </p>

<p>I'm sorry if I'm at the point of rambling about everything and and if I sound like a brat. I definitely feel like one since I'm asking for help like this. Chances are I could make decision on my own in given time, but right now some tips from people who have transferred would be a big help.</p>

<p>Any thoughts would be appreciated, and thank you!</p>

2

<p>The time to make a decision on your major if you are still in the undecided and exploratory stage, is this,: by the deadline your school requires it. Not before. Regardless of what your friends are doing and pressure from your family.</p>

<p>Now, if you are going to transfer, I realize that changes things. So, tell us a little bit more. It sounds like you are going to stay at New Paltz for one more year? Is that right?</p>

<p>And, if so, you feel you need to know your major to complete your transfer apps? Remember, most of them are due in March, so that still gives you one more term to make the decision. </p>

<p>Remember also that the choice of career and choice of major do not need to be made simultaneously. If you know that you love languages and culture, international studies... that certainly narrows it down somewhat. Depending on where you want to transfer, and what majors you are considering, it is entirely possible to put one possible major down on your application and still change your mind before you get there (not always possible with certain schools or with impacted majors). Knowing what field you want may help you write a stronger transfer application, but it sounds like you are fairly close to narrowing down your choice of major.</p>

<p>Right now, why don't you focus on a choice of major and postpone a specific career choice. Your interests could lead to a number of possible careers.</p>

<p>If I've misunderstood your situation, my apologies. Give us a little more info about timing of the transfer, schools you might consider.</p>

<p>Best of luck.</p>

<p>P.S. If you are feeling sick, that just makes it harder to think and decide. So give yourself a pass on dealing with this until you feel better :).</p>

3

<p>Not to state the obvious, but do you really need to transfer? It seems like something your parents want more than you. If you do have to move, I don't suspect that applying as undeclared will hurt you, as you'll still have your sophomore year to make up your mind (although having an inkling of interest one way or the other can't hurt =P).</p>

<p>Try looking into the University of Houston. I've heard it's pretty decent.</p>

<p>Best of luck :)</p>

4

<p>check out Trinity University in texas. my friend goes there an he absolutely loves it. its not a bad school either....</p>

5

<p>Thanks to both you, really. I appreciate the feed back more than you can imagine. I know that I would be more elaborate if I was less sick, so my apologies for not being clear enough. :] </p>

<p>During the time I've spent in New Paltz, I came to understand that socially, everything was wonderful. Education-wise, I wasn't so sure if I could find a path or anything like that to some kind of goal. </p>

<p>Well, now! Look at how sick I am. I put the words "major" and "career" hand in hand and didn't distinguish them effectively. Major is more of a pathway to career, am I wrong? I'll look at it that way. </p>

<p>If I'm not in Houston for this coming Fall semester, then I'll definitely be dragged by Spring semester. It would be financially easier in Houston. Emotionally, I just have to buck up. Family traditions and morals are kinda controlling factors in my life until I'm done my four years. In short, let's say my parents are protective and I'm just now trying to break the wall. I'm not considered an adult until I have my own job. </p>

<p>I'm actually checking out UHD on Tuesday. I heard it's commuter school and I'm one who thrives well in a social atmosphere. Not a good combo, since I live off talking, haha. Who knows, it's what I make of it, right? </p>

<p>There's just so much to take in. If I'm dorming, commuting, trying for scholarships, etc. It's making me internally puke with this career contagion on my mind. </p>

<p>My mother would kill for me to go to Rice University, but I don't think I'll get in with my GPA. Unless they look at all the EC's I do, I'm not so sure. That, and a tuition is a pain. I'd like to go there, but again.. I feel like it's not a smart move unless I have a set major in mind. That and I don't feel like I'm smart enough - at least not yet.</p>

<p>I'm looking at A&M, Austin, and I think I heard of UT.</p>

<p>Bleh, I hope I don't come off sounding like an idiot. Thanks again.</p>

6

<p>UT and A&M may fit you well and they have nearly all the majors ever invented in the world.</p>

7

<p>I say you just apply to UT-Austin, A&M and Rice...who knows?</p>