<p>(I should preface this by saying that I went to one of the hardest and most competitive public high schools in Texas. It mind as well have been considered a private school.)</p>
<p>I go to a satelite school of the UTexas school system and I feel like UT is going to rip me a new one if I transfer there next semester. I've spent my first 3 semesters basically coasting through college. I haven't really had to try that hard to get As in almost all of my classes. I've only received two Bs in math classes, mostly because I rarely did the homework. For most of my classes, the high school version was more difficult than the college version. </p>
<p>I'm not sure if my college success is due to the fact that my high school really prepared me for college, or if it's the fact that I go to an easy commuter college.</p>
<p>Currently, I'm trying to decide what to do for the Fall 08 semester: transfer, or stay at my current school and try to overload myself with work by taking 6 or 7 classes in preparation for a Spring 09 transfer.</p>
<p>Does anyone have any tips as to what I should do, who I should talk to, or how I can ease the transfer transition?</p>
<p>This is a good question, crs. I certainly know of students who were NOT apprehensive (or not very) about transferring to a more difficult school. And, therefore, whose adjustment was a bit of a shock to the system.</p>
<p>I think that your simply being aware of the possibility that the coursework could be more rigorous is an important element. It is also possible that the coursework may be no more difficult, but the grading curve might be. And/or the student body ready, willing and able to work a lot harder. I know students who have found all of the above to be true.</p>
<p>IMO, if you are willing to change from "coasting" mode to much harder work mode, you will be fine. It is a choice, but I think just making that mental adjustment may be all you need to ease the transfer transition. I would also suggest availing yourself of academic support - through study groups, use of office hours, use of academic support services.</p>
<p>My own opinion is that it would be a shame to sell yourself short because of nervousness. I think it highly likely that you can do the work. And may feel that you let yourself down if you didn't try for the challenge.</p>
<p>It's also possible that you would be better off excelling in an easier environment. Either way is fine, but I don't think you should let "fear of the unknown" be the determining factor.</p>
<p>Just one opinion, and good luck with whatever you decide.</p>
<p>i agree with Andale, while you may be able to stay where you are and "coast" to a high gpa, you will ultimately be more prepared for graduate school or a difficult work environment if you challenge yourself now.</p>