<p>Hi, im looking for a little bit of advice from anyone who has had experience with transferring. I am currently a freshman at a smaller in state school in Washington. Its more of a liberal arts school and its about 20 minutes away from home. Last year as a senior I had a list of criteria that I wanted the school to have, I wanted to go farther away from home to try and mature and become more responsible ( not that I cant do that close to home, It would just help me become more independent, I find myself relying too much on my parents, even while in college because I have that luxury being close to home), I wanted to go to school in a bigger city, for a new experience away from my little farm town, I wanted to go to a big school, with strong sports programs, and huge school spirit, I wanted to go somewhere where I could explore all the majors I was considering ( athletic training, sociology, education or something new, random list I know) and I wanted it to be financially affordable. I plan on going to grad school, so trying not to rack up the loans was a priority. The school that I am attending is basically the opposite of that list, besides the fact that it was the most financially affordable school on my list, which about sums up the reasons that I chose it. </p>
<p>Over the summer I had major doubts about attending this school, I even considered taking a gap year and waiting to apply to new schools next year, trying to find somewhere, that I thought I would be happy. As I attend this school now I have mixed feelings. Sometimes I love it here, I like being close to home more then I thought I would, but that could be due to the face that ive never left. I have friends from high school that I can hangout with, and sometimes I like the smaller vibe. But I always find myself drawn to the idea of transferring to one of these bigger schools that I applied to, somewhere that I wanted to go so badly last year, because sometimes I dread this school, the lack of school spirit and sports, everything being so familiar in my small town, and I feel like im missing out on the college experience that I always pictured myself having.</p>
<p>One of the main schools I really liked was Michigan State University. It is farther away, has huge sports programs and school spirit, all the majors I want, and is near a big (ish?) city. No matter how much I like or dislike my current situation, I continue to consider Michigan state as a strong option for next year.</p>
<p>The major problem is finances. My parents basically fall into that middle area for financial aid where you tend to get screwed. They dont make enough to pay out of pocket expenses to these schools, nor do they get considered for financial aid, mainly were stuck with loans.</p>
<p>My question is, is it worth the money? Should I risk going to this school and trying something new, far away and something that I think I want so badly, and leave this school Im starting to get comfortable with, and leave home and pay the extra money ( if I dont get any scholarships)?</p>
<p>I know this is a very personal question, but I just looking for some advice from anyone who may have had similar experiences!</p>
<p>Thanks in advance</p>