So I currently attend an Ivy League institution, and am hoping to transfer to Cornell. My problem is that my college GPA is way too low (somewhere around the 2s). The reason for my low GPA is my debilitating depression. Every time I return to school my depression becomes so severe to the point that I maybe go to class a couple of times during the semester because I can’t get out of bed. I know that what is making my depression unmanageable is being in that school, and am confident that I would succeed academically if I were to transfer somewhere else. I have no idea what to do, and would really appreciate some advice. Is it completely unrealistic to try to transfer with my very low GPA? Have you ever heard of any similar situations? Should I just try to stick it out, and get my degree? Thanks in advance!
I would see if you can take a leave for medical reasons and treat the depression. It’s not going to magically go away by going to another school. Your health is the most important thing right now.
@suzy100 I’ve already taken a leave (this is actually my second leave), and have been treating the depression for a very long time. When I returned to school after my first leave I felt healthy, and my depression was under control. However, a couple of weeks later after returning I was back to square one.
A change of scenery may well be appropriate for you, but I don’t think Cornell is the best choice for someone in your situation…
It is an academically demanding school, not really a “don’t worry, be happy” kind of place. Also the overcast weather there can be perceived as depressing to some of those so inclined (see “Seasonal Affective Disorder”). And transfer students may take some time to integrate socially , which s true everyplace I guess. But during that transition period one may experience social isolation which can be depressing (anyplace).
I know people who transferred to a less demanding school and were happy with their life trajectory years later. You might consider that, if there’s a suitable school close to your parents. IMO you should make a decision like this in consultation with them, and whoever else is helping you.
I am inclined to agree with @monydad. It does not sound to me as if transferring to a high stress school in a location that gets 3 feet of snow in one dark weekend in January would be the correct next step.
I wonder about a smaller school. There are a very large number of very good small schools that are less stressful that either Cornell or most (or all?) Ivy League universities.