<p>I am currently a student at UConn and planning to transfer next year.
I originally went to UConn for the in-state price, but I realized its not the right fit for me. A few of the main reasons I want to transfer are the sheer size of the university and the lack of attention given to each student. I feel as if I am just a number.
I am applying to other smaller schools, but I am attracted to UVA for its strong Politics program.
In terms of my reasons for leaving UConn, will I encounter similar issues at UVA? (Regarding feeling overwhelmed by size, lack of attention to student, etc) </p>
<p>If your goal is smaller class sizes and more individualized attention, I suggest you look at UVa’s Batten School of Public Policy. My son is in it. The class sizes are under 30 students, and it is a relatively small program. You apply to the bachelors program in the middle of your second year of college, and start at the beginning of your 3rd year. I don’t know how they handle transfers. You need to apply to the program and be accepted - I don’t know how competitive it is. The undergrad program is only a few years old. The school is well-funded with excellent facilities thanks to the late Mr. Batten, who founded the Weather Channel. </p>
<p>That same school also has a 5 year bachelors-master program, but it is not as easy to finish it in 5 years as it should be, mainly because you also have to meet all of the requirements for a different UVa undergrad major other than public policy. The logical associated major would be Politics, but the Politics department is not cooperative in their requirements. They refuse to let Batten classes count as meeting the requirements for courses that are “related” to Politics. They count all other social sciences as being related. Because of that lack of cooperation, my son had to give up doing the 5 year program - he just couldn’t make it work even with AP credits. </p>
<p>The Politics dept. at UVa is excellent, but it seems a little understaffed for the number of Politics/International Relations majors. For example, it was impossible for my son to take any Politics class as a first year student - they were all full. </p>
<p>UVA will offer a much richer undergraduate experience than UConn can. Definitely transfer if you can afford it.</p>