<p>My second semester as a Freshman is just beginning, and I'm still not happy where I am. I currently attend a small liberal arts college that also has a very religious orientation- not uncommon for a school in the Midwest. I do enjoy the small size, but the overall the classes aren't overly challenging and resemble my classes in high school. I chose this college initially for the financial aid and the scholarship I received, which was substantial. I realize that I am unlikely to receive such a scholarship if I transfer. Any school with a similar affordability level is likely to be huge. I am therefore uncertain as to whether or not I ought to transfer, though I'm certain I want to. </p>
<p>Pros list (of transferring):
1. Closer to home. I live in Massachusetts normally and I'm very homesick- I can stomach it out here, but its unpleasant and I miss New England as well as my family.
2. More class options. Pretty much every other college in the nation has a greater variety of classes than my current college. I'm a History major, and there are only about two to four history classes offered per term.
3. More challenging classes (possibly).
4. Most other colleges, no matter whether state or private, have bigger name recognition than mine, and I want to be taken seriously when I apply to jobs/graduate school.
5. Just about all of my friends are transferring. Normally, I wouldn't consider this too big of a deal, but there are only eighty students in my grade, so there is not much variety.
6. I feel trapped here. I don't have a car and the school is in the middle of nowhere. I like the country, but I have no alternative means of transportation and the only nearby city (an hour away) isn't that great. I miss Boston. </p>
<p>Cons list:
1. If I transferred, I'd probably end up at a large university (for money reasons) and I like the small class sizes here.
2. It might even cost slightly more to attend another college.
3. I'm fairly certain that at least a few of my credits would not transfer.
4. Large schools daunt me socially as well as academically (class sizes, etc.)</p>
<p>So I can't decide if I should transfer, or where I should try to apply if I do transfer. Does anybody have any recommendations? Purely for reference, I'll include some stats. </p>
<p>SATs:
800- CR
780- Writing
670- Math</p>
<p>APs:
Psychology- 5
Literature and Composition- 5
Language and Composition- 5
American History- 5
European History- 4</p>
<p>Willing to pay around 20,000 for school</p>
<p>Current Courses (and last semesters):
Integrated Learning (required Freshman Course)
Presidential Elections (POLS)
History of Presidential Elections (HIST)
Ancient Greece and Rome (HIST)
Microeconomics (ECON)
History Research Methods (HIST)
Politics Among Nations (POLS)
Geology
Old Testament (RELG)
History Focus Seminar (HIST)
Middle Ages (HIST)</p>
<p>GPA:</p>
<p>3.87</p>
<p>Does anybody have any input?</p>