<p>Her undergrad is Athletic Training, and strangely enough, it’s highly competitive. At most schools you apply during your freshman year for sophomore entry, so it’s really too late for her to change schools. Besides, she got great merit aid, and we try to put into perspective that it is only 4 years out of her life. But in your case, if the financial aspect is not good, I would certainly head off to a less expensive university. Not to mention getting away from our sub-zero weather!</p>
<p>Yurtle–apply for a transfer to keep your doors open but don’t make any plans just yet. As a teacher I know that the miserable students are pretty much home by Xmas. In my personal experience, going from So Cal to a cold environment, the transition was difficult. I spent the first two quarters thinking about how great my life had been at home and that I had made a huge mistake. Then the sun came out in the spring and my whole world changed. I loved my university! I easily made it through the following winters as I knew what to expect.I am SO GLAD I stayed! If you had asked me at this point (Feb) of my freshman year, I would have told you I was wavering.</p>
<p>My advice–stick it out freshman year but be VERY open to experiencing new things and getting involved in your school. Make sure you get plenty of sun in the spring and an opportunity for exercise. If, by June, you are still not happy then it might be time for a transfer. IMO the thing that is most important is your mental health. If its not for you then transfer–just don’t give up until you’ve given it your all-you might be surprised!</p>
<p>My school has a six week winter break. We started before thanksgiving, so I missed the true souring of the weather and got to trade it in for breezy/cool Arizona winter. Not to mention the fact that shipping my things home would have been a hassle at that point. </p>
<p>But unfortunately for those considering the transfer shuffle, waiting until spring or June is just out of the question. My application (and now transcripts) have gone in: Deadlines are in March(?) (I could be wrong, and it could be May), and I won’t recieve a new FA package until late June or July from Knox. If I want housing, I have to apply for it at my current college in April, and so on. On a ten week schedule, everything happens quicker than you’d like it to, and then slower than needed. </p>
<p>The set ups of transfer deadlines usually push students to make those choices in the midst of winter - which brings me back to my original question. When would you tell them to do it? I would think that while winter can affect things, transferring in Fall is much easier than halfway through.</p>
<p>My son sent out transfer applications by Thanksgiving of his freshman year. The transfer applications were for the fall of the following academic year. He started at his transfer school in the fall of his sophomore year. He had a very easy transition and was very happy with his decision to transfer. He has since graduated from the transfer school and moved on to a graduate program at yet another school.</p>
<p>When would I recommend getting transfer applications out for the following academic year?
—ASAP----Transferring into the new school in the Fall will make for an easier transition than transferring in the Spring.</p>
<p>You can also call the transfer school and speak to an admission’s counselor. He/she can guide you. Explain to them the issue of housing.</p>
<p>Yurtle -</p>
<p>If you are accepted, you may need to make a housing deposit before you decide whether or not you do intend to transfer. When/if you do that, be sure to ask the housing office what the refund policy is. Most universities will refund housing deposits if you decide not to enroll.</p>
<p>^very good advice :)</p>