Transferring as a second semester freshman - leave of absence?

I am currently at one of the ivies and would like to transfer to NYU nursing to be closer to home and pursue a career I feel I can be successful in. I am really unhappy and also dealing with mental and physical health issues, and am considering taking a LOA after this semester is over. I am wondering, if I leave school after the semester, would I be considered a transfer student or a freshman applicant? I am only taking 3 classes instead of 4 if that makes a difference. Just wondering because the deadlines for applications are different depending on which type of applicant I would be.

Also, if I were to stay and continue through second semester, would that be better? I am just not sure I can handle being at a school I dislike while dealing with so many personal issues.

I, too, am in a similar spot. I go to USC, but I’m looking to transfer. I know, however, that spring admission has already closed and I don’t want to come back to USC next semester, so I would be taking a LOA as well. Sadly (well, sad depending on how well/not well you did this first semester haha), I think because you will have one semester’s worth of classes/grades under your belt, you would be considered a transfer because you have to include that information on your transcript. However, I’m not very sure how true this is if you were to apply as a freshman again.

Everyone always tells me, “just wait it out, it definitely gets better,” but I’m not sure it will, as I’ve seen friends from my high school have much more enjoyable lives at different schools. Have you mentioned your situation to your parents yet?

LOA sounds like a good move for you.

You need to ask each place on your list whether to apply as a freshman or as a transfer. Yes, some will probably consider you a freshman applicant, while others will consider you a transfer. Some might even let you choose!