Transferring Out. What do you think?

College Search & Selection
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<p>Hi everyone, </p>

<pre><code> I am currently attending a college in Vermont. I am four hours from home, there is not much to do around here, I have no car and nearly half the school is commuters and the other half goes home on weekends (it's a Vermont state school). I have no friends and I am very lonely here, there is pretty much nothing I enjoy about the school. I don't even like most of my classes here. They have nothing to do on the weekends and their clubs are lacking so much. (I joined the GSA and there are about 8 people in the club.) The school told me that most of the campus stays here on weekends when I visited so stupidly, I believed them.
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<p>I am planning on transferring back home and attending a community college for the Spring semester. I guess I will be only transferring 6 credits (unless I can magically pass A&P and transfer 9 credits). Then, I will apply to new schools for the fall of next year as a transfer student. </p>

<pre><code> What do you think about this?
</code></pre>

<p>I would have tried to stay the year but this school has honestly just made me depressed, I have even seen the therapists here a few times because I am so miserable.</p>

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<p>First, know that you are loved by family and friends. Second, know that people on CC care about you. Your situation is not unusual for college freshmen. So don’t freak out…and you have done the right thing by seeing a therapist and admitting to yourself (very important) there is a problem. So actually, you are already on the mend! GOOD WORK! </p>

<p>Now…about your situation. Are you at UVM? Vermont is a special place but its not for everyone. Yes its quite rural and bucolic. Not bad, just different. Being away at school is always hard. A lot of adjusting is going on. For kids in big state schools. Small private colleges and urban and rural. You are NOT alone. </p>

<p>So, if you take a semester at home and go to CC (presumably to avoid student loans from becoming due), and if you think that is going to help you longer term and be healthy for you (presuming your family life is positive and supportive), then maybe that works for you. I am not a big fan of transfering. Things do get better…sometimes it takes a full year. </p>

<p>I’ve seen it a million times. Sometimes when the spring flowers arrive it is better…you have matured and adjusted to the dorm life, being away from home, culture shock, cafeteria food, the work load, academic pressures to perform, and whatever else is bothering you. But its also true that some kids made a poor selection for college and a very poor fit. For whatever reason. Don’t beat yourself up. It happens. Its not fatal or even a big deal. But make certain you arent transferring your personal problems with you. In other words, that the problems are related to circumstance and not something else going on in your life. </p>

<p>If you do go home at Christmas and stay home, then work on all the issues confronting you. If you need help get help. No shame in asking, only shame in doing nothing about it. But it seems you are doing the right thing now.</p>

<p>College is demanding and shocking to many young kids. </p>

<p>Give yourself a hug and be kind to yourself. Work really hard in school as that will stay with you. Talk to professors and RA’s and faculty advisors. Do FUN stuff that YOU like to do. And sometimes, believe it or not, giving to others and helping others…helps YOU. </p>

<p>God is always with you. Good luck.</p>

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<p>^^ this is such great advice. Nicely said.</p>

<p>It’s hard sometimes to know whether it’s normal adjustment issues, or if it’s really just not the right school for you. I have sisters that transferred and they knew right off the bat that they were at the wrong school for them. Both were much happier with their later schools. However, sometimes it really is just a difficult adjustment. I had a rough first semester, but am so glad I stuck it out. I have nothing but good memories of my undergrad college (all 5 years, lol!). It’s a case by case thing and you are certainly not the first to be thinking about it by Oct. of your freshman year. </p>

<p>You can do a search on Common App. to see if there are some schools that interest you – do a search for transfer and spring 2012 (leave all other info. blank for full list). Deadlines are right around the corner for spring transfer apps. though, so you would have to work quickly.</p>

<p><a href=“https://www.commonapp.org/SearchEngine/SimpleSearch.aspx?VisibleTabs=-1%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C-1[/url]”>https://www.commonapp.org/SearchEngine/SimpleSearch.aspx?VisibleTabs=-1%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C0%2C-1&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

<p>However, if you can stick out at least a full year at your school, then you at least give yourself a bit more time to get some apps. well ready for a fall entry (some due in Jan., and some are due in March). Then you don’t have to make a final decision until April or May. That gives you some time to take some more courses that interest you and get strong grades (you need them to transfer!). You can keep getting involved with GSA, do some volunteer work, anything and everything that interests you (good for apps. too). </p>

<p>(If you are truly feeling depressed, please go talk to someone for counseling at your college. Contact student health center for contact info. If the situation is bad enough, then yes, cc is not the end of the world!) </p>

<p>transfer forums:</p>

<p>[Transfer</a> Students - College Confidential](<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/]Transfer”>Transfer Students - College Confidential Forums)</p>