Hi!
I currently am a freshman attending Bowdoin. I came to the school for the academics and the financial aid, without realizing that college is also a social experience. I feel like I am in a hole socially in this school of 1,800 I wish to transfer to Vanderbilt since I know a few people there and the social life at Vanderbilt seems to be much more aligned with my interests according to my connections at Vandy. Is this a wise decision to make and what does Vanderbilt look for in a student and especially transfers?
Hello: One of my sons was admitted to Bowdoin, and we are big fans of the college. I truly think that Bowdoin is one of those colleges where your diploma has a long life and many secondary gains in grad school apps and also in terms of intimacy with professors and with your class. Yes, a forced intimacy at times and perhaps a bit claustrophobic but still a unique and valuable community of professors and students who could be friends of yours forever.
I would go two-fold on this…apply to transfer to a larger school like Vandy, and or your flagship honors program, and do not allow yourself to go “negative” on Bowdoin in the meantime. At some point you do want to give your heart to your alma mater and you will get back what you put in. It would probably help if you had a plan on how Vanderbilt’s academic offering lines up with your goals. Remember that this is only four years…you can go abroad for a year of it if you plan ahead from Bowdoin or from Vandy. Bowdoin has some great outcomes in graduate school placements and you can easily opt for bigger school in grad school if you do not end up doing a transfer. I also wanted to transfer out of my college my freshman year but never worked up the traction to do it for various ancient reasons–but my classmates still rib me about about my freshman dissatisfactions and desire to leave (don’t be that person! Be very discreet, be appreciative of the privilege of where you are-- and take the time always no matter where you are to love the ones you are with.) Stay positive even if you do push out and transfer.
Thank you so much for the very informative response! I really want to love Bowdoin and all that the school has to offer, and I am trying!
Be crystal cold clear about money as you weigh things out. You are going to get a world class education at Bowdoin. Your degree will mean a lot in grad school applications. Grad schools understand that you had rigor and good instruction. Small classrooms are pretty golden for many reasons, although Vandy actually has a good amount of small classrooms. If you are getting very good financial need aid, do not sacrifice that without a clear similar trade in a transfer decision. I have a 26 year old and a 30 year old (Vandy/Duke) and believe me getting employed and on your feet with health insurance is a tough gig. Financial autonomy can take a long time. Graduate school is a tough gig to underwrite financially. Debt is a bad idea without a clear idea of costs vs benefits. I imagine that Vandy would offer you as good or better in need aid should you be chosen for a transfer spot. Not all grad school paths are ridiculously expensive but some really are shockingly expensive and offer very little need or merit money. You should be looking at your possible major and minor paths at Bowdoin and weighing the offerings there and their long term impacts. I recall that they were nationally ranked in Government for instance, which is an unusual specialization for a small college in Maine. They have other strong paths. I don’t know contemporary things about Bowdoin…but you do. Some grad schools concentrations are very socially fun experiences. Some are more lonely. Honestly, I told both of my sons that a measure of lonely is part of being an adult and certainly will be part of an experience in college anywhere. Good luck shaking it out. Even your transfer application should show recognition of the good of where you are now.