<p>I am a freshman who just finished my first quarter at a prestigious public university.
I was forced to go here by my parents.(in state tuition and prestige) I ended up having to submit to them and I really tried to like it. I actually liked my first quarter... dorm life, class materials, etc.
However I find myself still considering transfer. I wasn't highly satisfied with my extra curricular at this particular university and I know it could be better at some other schools.
Also, I am looking for more close-knit environment.
Being close to home would be nice but not the top priority.
I think my parents are supportive of me transferring if the school I transfer to has equally if not better reputation than my current school and if finance is manageable.
At this point I am not sure if transferring would be a right decision for me for following concerns.
1. It was not clearly my first choice where I ended up. If I could reverse it I wouldn't even apply here. But it wasn't as bad as I thought. I am not sure if it is worth spending money and time to apply for transfer.
2. I am not sure what I want to do with my life. I mean I have general goals but not a specific major that I am intending which should be quite helpful when transferring.
3. I am not sure if I am reasoning correctly. Are social aspects, certain ecs, class size, etc right reasons to consider transferring?
4. Should I give myself and my current school some more time and see how I feel by the end of my freshman year?
FYI I had around 3.9 GPA in hs, not the best but decent test scores, and think I did well in this quarter.
I would appreciate any help.</p>
<p>As someone in a similar predicament (forced to go to a school they wouldn’t have applied to if not for their family), I must concede that it is really difficult decision to transfer. Transfer students don’t get merit aid, so unless your family can afford to pay full price, or you end up a school that meets need and you have significant need, your other options may be ruled on based on cost alone.
Your reasons for transferring are similar to mine, so the only bit of advice I can perhaps offer is that you must ask yourself: “can I see myself coming out of here happy and the individual I want to be four years from now?” The answer to that will determine whether you should transfer or not.</p>
<p>dc2013, to the comment you made I can only sigh… Thank you for your perspective…
Who knows if I would feel happy at my current school 4 years later but it’s definitely something to think about…
Definitely money is a big factor. Unless I end up at some school that has huge cost of attendance with great financial support it just won’t work out economically…</p>
<p>Re: extracurriculars-</p>
<p>It’s been one semester. Most medium-sized public schools have hundreds of student organizations. Even if by chance you had become familiar with <em>most</em> of them, many events are specific to the spring (many philanthropy events, formals, and fraternity and sorority recruitment at some schools). The close-knit feeling you are seeking usually follows when you get involved, even at a larger school.</p>
<p>From your post, it sounds like you are hung up on it not being your first choice, but not everyone gets to go to their first choice for a number of reasons. If you are performing well and enjoying your social life, I would give it more time and think about what you expect to get out of a different school if you transfer.</p>