Transferring out of University of Minnesota to attend St. Thomas?-ENV SCIENCE MAJOR

College Search & Selection
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<p>I'm an environmental science major, and I am getting a terrible university experience at the U of M. I expected terrible student/teacher ratios for my general classes, but even in my Hydrology and Ecology courses within my college (CFANS) I am still at a professor/student ratio of about 80+/1. </p>

<p>I attended Normandale Community College and had 40/1 student/teacher ratios usually 30/1 after people dropped at the deadline. I also attended a private grade school 22/1, and a decently funded public school (armstrong-in Plymouth, MN) 28/1 student to teacher ratios. My chemistry lecture at the U is 180+, and my calculus lecture is 150+</p>

<p>I am also a non-standard student since I am a veteran, and have 100% Gi Bill benefits with unlimited yellow ribbon funds, and Navy College Fund. (School is free at either college for me).</p>

<p>I work for our state's pollution control agency, so I have work expereince within my major. </p>

<p>Will I be missing out on anything by transferring? I will probably be adding another semester since I will have a language requirement, and catholic ed requirements tacked onto my degree program.
I will have around 70 credits at the end of this semester, and both schools I will have around 84 credits remaining on my degree programs. </p>

<p>I honestly feel like I am drowning at this University(U of M-Twin Cities) since the class sizes are too large. </p>

<p>(Background, I obtained around 42 credits at Normandale CC, prior to transferring to the U of MN) I transferred to the U of M as an Econ major and switched to environmental science since the full calculus sequence isn't realistic for myself.(Weak at math)
Either way, I will run over 120 credits regardless of U of M or St. Thomas. </p>

<p>Advice/Opinions?
I feel like I will perform better at St. Thomas possibly going to U of M grad school. Whereas, at the U of M I feel like I will keep running down my GPA making grad school unattainable. (Transferred into the U with a 3.71, and I'm now at a 3.03)</p>

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<p>I have a number of children, and most of them have attended/are attending/will attend Catholic colleges. Certainly they have enjoyed and benefitted from the smaller class sizes, no TAs, and personal attention. The overall atmosphere is usually different from most public schools, and hopefully that will be to your liking.
Maybe the feeling of being lost in the crowd is contributing to your troubles, but keep in mind that most Catholic schools are not known for easy academics. You will most likely have plenty of help and support available, but the classes will still be demanding.
Overall, my kids have done well at their schools, and have been very happy with their choices.</p>

<p>Best of luck to you</p>