Transfering detrimental to college experience?

<p>I'm really reluctant to do a transfer into a school I want to get into from a JC... Mostly because I don't want to miss out on the whole "college experience" (which, so I've heard, includes doing and messing up your own laundry, attempting to cook your own meals and failing horribly, and generally failing at semi-RL experience. Sounds FUN! ). </p>

<p>On the other hand, I know that it's a really, really good opportunity to save money. In addition, I'll probably be able to shoot for higher goals if I do transfer (I'll probably aim for UCLA). </p>

<p>Does anyone regret having to transfer to a 4-year? Any experiences?</p>

<p>I don't think anyone really wants to transfer, either from a 4-year university or a JC, as you have to re-establish yourself at your new college and really miss out on the actual college experience at a JC. However, it's more dependent on your circumstances and goals. </p>

<p>As someone at a CC, I am happy with my decision thus far as it has opened doors for me, both in the sense of building a better academic record and having enough money to attend a more expensive/better private university for 2 years.</p>

<p>My experience has been pretty negative at my current 4 year. I didnt' enjoy it at all, I wasn't pushed, and the professors really had no spunk. I feel that having transferred to where I want, I'll be able to participate in more things, learn more, and have more doors open. </p>

<p>So in short, I gave up a year, for something much better for the next three. And quite honestly, if I got into my transfer school my freshmen year, I probably would've spent it studying as well.</p>

<p>I think there is a huge social and academic difference between transferring as a sophomore and transferring as a junior. So your college experience could be ruined by the latter, or bolstered by the former.</p>

<p>I was a sophomore transfer, and my experience was outstanding. I had three years to acclimate myself socially and academically, and I think that is more than enough. Junior transfers, on the other hand – from my experience – have a much more difficult time. Since they only have two years, there is not a lot of time for them to become as socially and academically acclimated. Nearly all of the junior transfers here are having a very difficult time making friends and finding things to do. This could be a reflection of our transfer program, but I strongly doubt that since the sophomore transfers are doing even better than I did when I first came.</p>

<p>Academically, transferring as a junior has its definite disadvantages: if you plan to apply to professional or graduate schools, the relationships you form with professors will be integral to earning recommendations. Since applications are due during the fall of senior year, you only really have one year to get to know enough professors, and one year is not enough. Simply put, in order for a recommender to be viewed as good one, you will have had to have taken at least two courses with that professor, preferably two very small courses. Since law schools, for instance, require at least two recommendations, that means you need to take four classes with two professors in the span of one year. This might seem easy, but at most top schools, most professors do not teach every semester or they teach courses that might not suit your interests.</p>

<p>This worry is not aprocryphal. When I was considering a junior transfer to the University of Chicago, I spoke to one of their professors; he reinforced my worry, claiming that I would have to wait a year to apply to graduate school after I graduated, so I could give professors another year on which to base my recommendations. I wanted to start my JD/PhD the fall following my graduation, so transferring simply wasn't an option at that point.</p>

<p>With the full three years, though, the situation is much more comfortable. I know many professors on a first-name basis, have done as much as three courses with at least two of them, and I don't feel so alien in the department right now; I can only imagine how much more familial it will feel during my senior year!</p>

<p>I asked for recommendations around two weeks. Having known me for almost two years, my professors didn't hesitate to write them, and one of them even offered before I could ask!</p>

<p>i plan to transfer from a JC as a sophomore to a 4 year university, hopefully my experience would be good. I dont really care about the whole "college experience" thing. I just want to study as hard as i can and get a nice paying job.</p>

<p>I imagine you are more familiar with how transfers fit in socially than I, nspeds, but I still think it would be dependent on the college as well. I typically hear good things about people that transfer to liberal arts colleges where life is very campus-focused, regardless of whether they are a sophomore or junior. Likewise, my friend that transferred to Rice is loving every minute of it, which could certainly be attributed to the excellent residential college system.</p>

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Likewise, my friend that transferred to Rice is loving every minute of it, which could certainly be attributed to the excellent residential college system.

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<p>...the residential college system is hardly effective if you live off-campus. Rice does not guarantee housing for transfers.</p>

<p>He lives on campus.</p>

<p>Still, this is why I have put so much emphasis on finding a college that guarantees housing on campus, or at least typically meets most requests.</p>

<p>I transferred from a small liberal arts college to Tufts and I'd have to say that it is the best academic move that I ever did. I was able to do some fantastic research that allowed me to get into amost every grad school I applied to. In comparison to my old school, even the top kids would only go to a mediocre grad school. The only problem that I had was that it can be very difficult to uproot yourself and that most people your year will have already estabilished social groups. The thing that I wish I knew to do was really get involved in a few activities that allow for a lot of bonding. (theatre is a good example.) I finally was able to find people but it took a lot longer and would have been less painful had I joined groups in the first place.</p>

<p>i'm at a CCC and yeah, for sure i've thought about missing the whole freshman and sophomore college experience, especially from hearing stories from my friends that went straight into UCs.. i'm glad i'm transferring soon and hope to experience the same as them, than just the same ol social life in my area that gets oldd quick.</p>

<p>I'm also wondering about this process...</p>

<p>Thanks very much for all your replies. They were extremely helpful. =D </p>

<p>I'm not familiar with transferring as a sophomore. As far as transferring from a CC is concerned, it's been said that the two years have to be completed to finish credits and such. Is it possible to transfer from a CC after one year if credits allow?</p>

<p>I have a friend at a CC, and transferring to Michigan this year. So, yes, it is possible after one year.</p>