<p>So, I am sort of entertaining the idea of transferring from my current school. My high school wasn't very competetive, and the counselors there were no help. This, in addition to the fact that I am the first person in my family to go to college, meant I didn't research colleges as much as I should have.</p>
<p>I ended up going to my state school, which is very prestigious but not exactly the best fit for me. There is a tremendous focus on partying and sports, and I have found it very hard to find my niche here (I'm a sophomore currently)</p>
<p>I sometimes think it might be helpful to take a semester off, and then apply to somewhere else...(maybe somewhere smaller? in the Northeast instead of the South?) The only thing is that I get to attend here for free, so sometimes I think it would be best to just stick it out and make it work. I just don't want to look back on my college years and think that they were just mediocre..</p>
<p>No one can make that decision except you. It seems as though you want to take action, or you wouldn't be thinking about it. I would investigate some possible places to transfer, or even take a semester off. The fact that it's free is worth a lot, though. If you finish the sophomore year, could you afford 2 years at a college more of your choice?
You sound like you are thoughtful and considering all the options--good for you.</p>
<p>In looking at your past posts, it seems your are at UNC, and have been spending lots of time in your room.</p>
<p>At a school as big as UNC, there must be some students who have lots in common with you, but you'll have to get more involved to find them. Community service often is a good way of meeting friendly people. It's also easier to connect with people when you're doing something active together because you will have immediate things to talk about.</p>
<p>I strongly suggest that you use the college counseling center to help you make your decision about whether to transfer. They also can help you figure out ways of making friends and finding activities that fit your interests.</p>
<p>It can be overwhelming to be a first gen college student because one's parents aren't able to give advice from their experience to help you through the type of challenges you're now facing.</p>
<p>How are your academics going? Have you considered joining clubs related to your academic interests?</p>
<p>I think it you'll get more insight into your situation by using the counseling center than by taking the semester off. Especially with the tight job market, it's hard for me to imagine that your taking time off and presumably working would help you gain insight into the best college options for yourself.</p>
<p>I'd suggest that you look at a sample of the types of schools you would want to transfer to - not making a hard decision, just 5 or 6 possibilities. </p>
<p>Check their transfer policies - some schools make it easier to transfer in at 60+ units than others. If you find that to be the case, take one more semester to get to that level, completing more of the general ed type classes that will be valid everywhere. </p>
<p>Another thing to check is their Financial Aid policies for transfer students - some schools have far less Merit money available for transfer students than for first time freshman. Again, an argument for taking advantage of where you are while finding a new home. After all, free is good - especially in this economy.</p>
<p>If the unhappiness you've been experiencing is related to shyness or a lack of social skills, it would be better to use the counseling center to address those areas than to transfer. You'll have to learn how to meet new people and find a niche wherever you go.</p>