I am a current freshman at the University of Michigan, and I absolutely hate it. I came here really open-minded, despite my initial disinterest in the college, but I have sincerely reached my breaking point. When I applied as a senior in high school, I thought I wanted a school that balanced drinking and partying with school, but after being here, I now know that is not what I want. In high school I was a really big partier, and that is why I ultimately settled on Michigan (and I was rejected from my top choice), but now I am completely over the drinking scene-- to the point where I am begging to go home every weekend just to avoid game days. I am looking for colleges that are similar to Michigan academically, but are a lot smaller and where people do not drink as often. My number one choice in high school was Colby College, but I was rejected. I am looking for a school where students are devoted to their studies, but still like to have fun. I just do not want to be somewhere where the drinking culture dominates the school. I would love to transfer as soon as possible, but the only schools I am looking at who offer spring admission are Boston College, Boston University, Colby, and Middlebury. My absolute dream school is Dartmouth, but I did not apply in high school because I just assumed I would not get in. I am really looking for schools like Dartmouth, Middlebury, and Colby where I would fit in. I am not opposed to drinking in any sense, and a few drinks every few weekends seems like the most ideal situation. I just cannot handle the constant epidemic of people at Michigan getting drunk on Wednesday nights. I really need some guidance on where to apply, and what my chances are coming from UM.
As you know first hand, getting admitted to places like Colby, Middlebury, or Dartmouth as a new student coming out of high school is pretty hard; getting in to these schools as a transfer is even harder.
So how are your studies going at Michigan? Are you getting all top grades? What have you done at Michigan to set your self apart and demonstrate that you really would be a good candidate for the places that you would prefer?
My grades are not an issue. I expect to get nothing less than a 3.9 this semester, if not a 4.0