<p>I am sure there are a bunch of threads on this, so I apologize for posting something along the lines of this, but I am new here. I just finished my freshman year of college at Loyola University Chicago as an undecided major. I am still undecided at this point too, but am narrowing it down. I really enjoyed first semester, but did not enjoy second semester at all. As a result, I want to look into transferring.</p>
<p>My reasons that I was to transfer are strictly personal, which is why I'm wondering if it's worth it. One thing I discovered is that I am not a fan of living in the city. Also, I feel I don't fit in with the people there....many people I find to be very rich, spoiled and fake and there is barely any diversity there. I feel that the public school environment fits me much better. I'm not exactly proud to attend Loyola and I just feel the "fit" isn't for me.</p>
<p>The schools I am looking into transferring to are Ball State, Illinois State, and the University of Illinois at Springfield. They are all public schools. My grades are good enough to get into both (so far, a 3.6/4.0 GPA at college and I made the Dean's List second semester) and they are probably cheaper than Loyola, which is so expensive.</p>
<p>But I'm still deciding whether it's worth transferring. I am giving Loyola a chance no matter what for Fall 2012, just in case I enjoy myself there and decide against transferring. I just have a couple questions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How would transferring in the middle/after sophomore affect me? Is that too late to transfer? Which option would be better?</p></li>
<li><p>Would my social life suffer after transferring? I already have friends at Loyola and I'm wondering if I would just be a loner at my new school when transferring. I wouldn't want to join a frat.</p></li>
<li><p>How should I tell my parents? As far as they know, I like Loyola. It would be a shock to them if I all of a sudden told them I want to transfer. And then I would need to visit the schools to get a feel for them and they are all a few hours away.</p></li>
<li><p>Is it worth transferring if you just don't feel the school fits you right? I honestly regret choosing Loyola, but I feel it's a hassle to switch in the middle. It's a huge risk.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Thanks! Any other advice you have would be helpful.</p>