Hi all,
I’m considering transferring as a junior from women’s liberal arts college. Before I transferred into this place, I went to a university abroad and couldn’t change my major (otherwise I need to reapply again) but didn’t want my credits to go to waste, so I opted to transfer instead. When I was choosing the school to apply, I only had a week left to get my application done. I only applied to one place because of their name, and I thought I loved snow and cold weather. However, October rolled in. I realised nope, I hated the weather. Sticked it out for a year, came back this Fall and still can’t tolerate the weather and I’m prone to seasonal depression. Also, old injury sometimes flares up when it gets very cold.
Weather aside, I dislike the department. I am interested in statistics, but the school only has two stats profs, which I don’t favour both of their teachings, so I decided to pick math instead. Class selection isn’t great but can always be compensated by taking some off-campus. However, the commute takes up a lot of time and really a hassle. Most people in the consortium just take one class during their entire undergrad career. Research opportunities are almost non-existent.
Although a lot of people complain about location, I totally love it. 2 hours away from Boston. 2 lovely college towns are 45 minutes bus ride away. Socially, though, I can’t help sometimes feel like I’m trapped in my old self. Before I entered undergrad, I was very shy and wouldn’t speak about opinion because I didn’t want to offend anyone. My first university was very wonderful and offered a lot of opportunities with debate and always encourage students in a lot of discussion. Here, I feel like people view everything that they don’t agree with as offensive and always make generalisations about people they disagree. Yet, they go berserk every time someone does the same thing to them. I’m left leaning but sometimes the culture here drives me nuts.
I’m a math major
College GPAs are 3.75 (at first college, anthropology and sociology) & 3.82 (at current college)
HS GPA: 3.57 (it’s terrible because I always got C in mathematics. Science & math are very rigorous at my high school. We are IMO, IPhO, IOI, you name it, feeder.)
I didn’t take SAT or ACT since the school I transferred in is test optional. Will take it sometimes this year.
Most of the schools I look into have waiver if I go to college that uses English as language of instruction, but I took IELTS 3 years ago and I got 7.5.
I’m currently TA for Calculus I. Have done some data and math modelling competition. Also received math department award, if those can count as ECs.
I currently receive financial aid at the school I’m in although very little. Cost won’t be a factor (I have talked with my parents before)
I’m looking into
- Pomona 2) Scripps 3) Reed 4) Pitzer 5) Colorado
I briefly considered Harvey Mudd, but the core curriculum doesn’t really appeal me. While I like science, I still want to take liberal education as well.
However, given that I’d like to go to graduate school after this, would it give a bad signal to the admission committee that I’m indecisive and would run away from any problem? Is it better to just stick with it and study abroad in warmer place during my junior year instead? However, if I choose to study abroad, there is a chance that I might not be able to do independent research/senior thesis in my senior year.
I would be very grateful if someone could give me advice.