<p>I'm about to start my sophomore year of college, and I am already fairly positive I want to transfer. It's too late now, so I'm wondering if it's even logical to transfer as a second semester sophomore. Honestly, I'm not worried about adjusting socially because I have friends at the school I'd transfer to, and I've met and love their friends, too. </p>
<p>My two main concerns are:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Academics-- will I still be able to finish in 4 years like I want to? I'd be going from an LAC to a University, so I'm worried many of my credits won't transfer. At big universities, I feel like you need to start working on your major as soon as you arrive or else you'll be behind. I know my Major and minor combination, and I don't mind taking summer classes, but I need to finish in 4 years.</p></li>
<li><p>I've always planned on studying abroad for a semester, particularly second semester of my junior year. But I'm afraid that, if I transfer, I won't be able to do that because it'd be too hard for me to catch up in class credits, and then I'd only be spending 2 years at my new school. This is an issue especially since the study abroad would break up my time at my new school in half, meaning I'd go to the school for a year, leave for a semester, and then come back. Would adjusting be too difficult to handle? And wouldn't I lose any progress or presence I make at my new school by leaving a year after I start? I don't really want to give up my study abroad, but I also don't know if I could handle staying at my current school for another 2 1/2 years (3, if you include the semester I'm about to start). </p></li>
</ol>
<p>Any advice? Has anyone gone through this?</p>
<p>I transferred as a second semester sophomore. Like you’d be doing, I also went from a LAC to a university. I didn’t have any problems with academic credit. Then again, I didn’t switch majors. I think as long as the LAC and university aren’t hugely different in terms of quality/rank, you shouldn’t have a big issue with transfer credit. I was also concerned about study abroad breaking up my experience at the new school. I’ve decided not to study abroad during the academic year, and instead am looking into summer programs for between junior and senior years. I’m so happy with my school now, I didn’t want to miss out on a whole semester there academically or socially. </p>
<p>I’d say if you know after the first full year that you’re unhappy with the idea of completing your degree there, apply for a transfer. I don’t think transferring as a second semester sophomore vs. a first semester sophomore or junior is any less logical. As long as the school(s) you’re applying to admit people during a given semester, might as well give it a shot. Personally, I’m glad I didn’t put off my transfer till the fall semester. After knowing I wanted to leave, it was good for me to leave quicker and get started on my new life at a school that made me significantly happier :)</p>
<p>was it difficult for you to get involved with your new school? Did you live on campus or off campus? Do you feel like you picked the right time to transfer? </p>
<p>Sorry for all the questions!</p>
<p>If the school let’s you, then go for it! Also, many schools have programs where you can study abroad for the summer or over a winter intersession, so those are worth looking into.</p>
<p>anotherkid, I felt it was quite easy to get involved with my new school. I was fortunate that they held a 2 day orientation for students entering midyear (transfer and freshman). I also went to an activities fair and joined clubs, and made a point to talk to other students before/after class. I had transferred to have a better experience, and that really motivated me to get involved with the community quickly. I was lucky enough to get housing on-campus in suite-style upper class housing. I’d suggest living on campus if possible, because it helps you adjust and meet people (same as why many colleges make freshmen live on campus).</p>
<p>I definitely picked the right time to transfer. I had completed a full year of college, and knew that the school definitely wasn’t right for me and that a change was the only thing that would make me happier. But I also had enough time left in college that I would still have 2.5 years to enjoy and become a part of the new school that fit me better. While my high school record was strong and would’ve almost definitely gotten me into the new school as a freshman, I think having 2 semesters of good college grades on my transfer app only helped me. And of course, there’s the fact I’ve felt at home academically and socially since move-in day :)</p>