Transferring, Issues, Life, etc.

Transfer Students
1

<p>So I'm currently a freshman student at UC-San Diego, and have been here since September 16th. A school of 20,000 + undergraduates, the weather's temperate, the beach is maybe 3 minutes away, and the academics are stimulating. It's incontestably a top UC and it shows. </p>

<p>However, before I actually came to UCSD, I was dreaming of a completely different environment. I envisioned myself at a small, reputed liberal arts college back east with ivy-covered walls, rigorous academics, and top-notch professors. I applied to two, arrogantly assuming I'd get into both and was rejected by one and waitlisted at the other.</p>

<p>Undeterred, I tried everything within my power to get off that waitlist. I sent letters, e-mails, writing samples, had others write recommendation letters, was in consistent phone contact with the Senior Associate Dean of Admissions, and I even made them an original DVD movie showing how much I wanted to go to their school. </p>

<p>They put me on a summer waitlist and from April to August, I was having atypical sleep cycles, a never-before-seen case of acne, not eating well, and I was simply rude and ornery at home. Life was miserable for me. </p>

<p>So as you can imagine, when I heard the final word in August, heartbroken was an understatement. </p>

<p>Now, after almost 2 months here in a city 1.5 hrs from my house (a HUGE initial deterrent for me) I know that I am ready to leave. I've made good friends and have a solid routine going for myself, but it just doesn't feel right. </p>

<p>I'm hoping my grades are adequate for a transfer as a sophomore next year. I might try to apply to two other schools for good measure. One thing I haven't mentioned is that money is an issue, as I have a twin brother who's also in college. So even if I do get in and the financial aid package isn't sufficiently generous then I can't go.</p>

<p>Anyway, the main purpose of this long-winded post is to see if I even should transfer, as UCSD will be very good for me monetarily (half the price) professionally (worldwide UC recognition and more opportunities to build up my 'international' r</p>

2

<p>would you mind saying the name of the college?</p>

3

<p>I believe it's Bowdoin?</p>

<p>Anyway, I'd encourage you to apply as a transfer to more than just the one school you have your heart set on. Since you say that what you want is specifically an Eastern LAC, and money is a factor, applying to a wide range of schools might help you get better financial aid and not have your dreams dashed once again. Best of luck!</p>

4

<p>also consider Bates, Colby, Middlebury ....
Wheaton (MA) might be a kind of financial safety for you, Tufts U. is good for International relations</p>

<p>Ask your contact to write an additional reference for you when you submit your applications</p>

5

<p>Yes, I am also seriously considering both schools' study abroad options, which are plentiful within the UC system. Bowdoin has no self-sponsored programs and it costs twice as much for the same experience. </p>

<p>Just another thought I need to keep in mind but fail to recognize.</p>

6

<p>It sounds like you've put a lot of thought into this. If I were your friend at UCSD, I certainly wouldn't want you to transfer, but you need to do what's best for you. I'd agree that applying to Bowdoin is something you should do, but only if you're realistic about it. Even if you get in, keep in mind the amount of debt you'd inevitably accumulate. It's all about choices. UCSD is a top-ranked school with a great reputation, and also considerly less expensive than a private LAC like Bowdoin. Imagine graduating (relatively) debt-free, and then having the ability to do whatever you want with your life. Good luck, kiddo.</p>