<p>I am a second year at UCLA, originally from the East Coast. I a lot of preconceived notions about what college life would be like before I got here, and was very optimistic that I would be happier in college. I now realize that I was being naive in thinking that changing my location would make me happier. Although some parts of my experience have been great, for the most part, I am very depressed (I have been diagnosed with depression since early high school but recently even with therapy and medication it has worsened), lonely, and feeling like I am on a downward spiral. I was on an athletic team my freshmen year, but I had to medically retire because of a persistent leg injury. I tried playing club sports, but I didn't like the people on the team. I tried rushing, but I was dropped from pretty much every house. I have joined a religious group, and have tried other clubs, but nothing really seems to be creating the connections I am hoping for. I know making friends is hard, but I really think that I should be more socially connected at this point. I have found this school to be very impersonal, and especially when dealing with my mental illness. I had some very typical depression symptoms i.e. not getting out of bed for days, missing classes, not eating, disconnecting from any friends, and I recognized that my situation was worsening, so I called the psychological services and tried to schedule an appointment. I was not able to get in for<br>
3 and a half weeks. They put me in a "managing anxiety" group, but honestly I am not comfortable talking to a group of 15 people I don't know.
Anyway, sorry to ramble, but the point is I am very unhappy at this school. Partially because of who I am, and I think also partially because of the environment. I really miss my family and home, and sometimes think I would like to go to school from home and commute somewhere such as New York daily. Unfortunately my grades have slipped from a 3.7 freshmen year to about a 3.4 this year. I have missed many transfer deadlines unfortunately, and I only know one or two professor who would POSSIBLY write me a recommendation. I am always very in touch with my TA's and generally get A's in my classes, so I have never really seen the need to get to know my professors as well as my TA's. Last year I was very involved in my sport, but now I have been unmotivated to do just about anything. Essentially I am worried that I am not going to be able to transfer if I want to at all, to a school that is of a good caliber. Does the fact that I am transferring from UCLA, which is prestigious, play a large role in my chance for acceptance to a school say like NYU or Boston College.
I know people work their entire lives to be accepted into UCLA, and I did too, it was my dream to go here. But now I realize the dream is much different then the reality. I need someone who has possibly gone through a similar situation to give me some advice. Should I transfer, take a quarter off (where will this leave me), or just stay even though I am so unhappy.</p>
<p>Short answer: Yes.</p>
<p>Long answer: as a Community College transfer, I have visited many schools and talked to lots of reps and counselors. Every single one of them has said that they will accept a CC transfer over someone who is already at a 4 year… let alone prestigious four year, because the CC student has already reached their “peak” at a junior college, and they have to take the next step forward, whereas a 4-year transfer can obtain a degree where they are at. One of the ivy leagues told me that if they don’t see an extremely good, solid reason for the person at a 4-year to transfer, then they will almost always be rejected. </p>
<p>PS… I am one of those people who has worked their whole life to attend UCLA :)</p>