<p>It's been a while since I've posted something but I'm looking for advice. I'm currently a freshman at Swarthmore College, but I'm truly not enjoying myself much here anymore. I was originally recruited to play soccer, and then I was cut after pre-season (I do not think I was admitted solely on the basis of soccer though, as I was admitted to other similar institutions). The first month or so went by very well; I was joining clubs, doing well in my classes, making friends. Once I went back to NYC for fall break, it broke the bubble. I've lost all the excitement I had in the first weeks and can't seem to get it back. I've become disenfranchised with the social situation here, and am questioning whether here is the right place for me. </p>
<p>On top of that, from an academic standpoint I realized where my priorities lie. I originally (perhaps stupidly) bumped Swat up to 2nd choice once I heard about the soccer interest, and was definitely played up by the clever recruiting of the coach. Now that I am no longer playing, and I don't really intend to try out again, my priorities have shifted and I have a clearer vision of what I want to do. I want to study biomolecular or chemical engineering, both of which are not present here. I've tried to sort of engineer a course schedule reminiscent of those things but it doesn't make me feel very confident. I have so much pressure from people telling me how wonderful Swat is as well, which makes me feel like there's something wrong with my thought process. </p>
<p>I don't really know what to do. I look to CC for help on this important issue and hope I can figure things out. I just want to know if transferring is the right thing to think about?</p>
<p>Wow, ok! We’re kind of similar! I got recruited to my college to play basketball and I didn’t get cut, but I never play and it’s just a major time commitment that I’m not interested in pursuing anymore. But anyways. I know I’m seriously considering transferring because I only came here because of the sport and stuff. Transferring is definitely something to be considered if you’re not happy at your current school. </p>
<p>Also if your current school doesn’t offer the majors you’re interested in, then that’s a major reason to make the switch to a different school. You should look for schools that do offer those majors and learn more about them. Best of luck!</p>
<p>From what you’ve said, transferring seems like something you should at least consider. Swat is a great school, but it may not be a great school for you, particularly if it doesn’t offer your academic interest. I’m not that familiar with engineering, so I’m unsure how much of a disadvantage getting a general engineering degree at Swat vs. one in biomol or chem at another school.</p>
<p>My advice would be to fill out transfer applications over the holiday break, then see where you’re accepted in the spring. If at that time you still want to transfer, you will hopefully have some options, if you decide to stay, you can still do that too.</p>
<p>I’ve looked at several of your prior posts. Appears that you were waitlisted at Duke, Pomona, Columbia, MIT & Brown. Admitted to URochester, Hamilton & Williams. And that you live in NYC.</p>
<p>Since you quickly decided against attending Hamilton & Williams, I’m wondering whether or not an LAC is for you.</p>
<p>In answer to your question: What to do ? Without more info., my suggestion is to get involved in another activity since soccer has been removed from your schedule.</p>
<p>I don’t like the stiflingly small atmosphere and how boring it gets on weekends. Coming from NYC it’s possible it’s just been tough to adjust; that being said i often wonder what it would be like to have gone to a larger school in an urban environment. At this point I’ve been trying to introspect on the decision and I think I made soccer far more important than it should’ve been. </p>
<p>In response to your suggestion about finding other activities, I have been getting very involved. I am on the board of the pre-health/med. society and we have organized two very successful and good-scale events this semester. I have more plans for next semester in that respect. I’m also on club soccer, club volleyball, and am doing research with a professor since September. On top of that, I’m taking 5 credits and will be taking 5 again next semester. </p>
<p>Despite all these things, I’m still unhappy, in fact the more I think about it the unhappier I get.</p>
<p>What did you expect to be doing on weekends? If it is just the city you miss, then hop the train into Philly. </p>
<p>You seem like the introspective type. Pick up a copy of “The Art of Crossing Cultures” by Craig Storti or any other good book on cultural adjustment. Happy for the first couple of months and then miserable is pretty much standard cultural adaptation. Along about month 6 to 9 you should be feeling happier again - which means that just when you are really hitting your stride it will be summer break, but oh well. Storti’s book is just about the best. It is the only one that I know of that gives the readers specific tools to work through this process.</p>
<p>" how boring it gets on weekends. Coming from NYC it’s possible it’s just been tough to adjust; that being said i often wonder what it would be like to have gone to a larger school in an urban environment"</p>
<p>WHAT?!? Swarthmore is not far from Philadelphia which is one of the largest cities in the country. As happymomof1 said learn to catch the SEPTA. I’m sure that when you do you will find many interesting things to do.</p>
<p>It’s not that easy to get off campus all the time. I’ve been to Philly the past few weekends and it’s been a nice change of pace. Plus when you’re stuck in the “swat bubble” and get off campus sometimes all it does is make me feel like “what the hell am I doing with myself?” And that statement doesn’t only come from me, but others say it all the time.
I agree it might just be adjustment anxiety; that being said, what if that shift to happiness just doesn’t happen? Is that not something to prepare for?</p>
<p>It is reasonable to have a Plan B. If you find yourself constantly, and honestly, asking yourself what you are doing at Swarthmore, perhaps you should consider taking a leave of absence next semester. A break from academic life in general, not just Swat in particular, might be what you really need.</p>