So first let me give you some background. I am a freshman at the university of Maryland. I am currently studying biomedical engineering with pre-med. I got a 2220 SAT and a 4.0 GPA in high school. The sole reason I chose UMD was because I had received a full academic scholarship. I got into other schools like Georgetown and Georgia tech. Even though my parents could comfortably pay my tuition if I went to those places, it just made more economical sense to me to go to UMD.
I knew that this was a big decision and I shouldn’t let money make it. So I made sure 100% that I would like it here. I visited the campus several times, as well as shadowed a student my spring semester of high school. I even went so far as emailing a chemistry professor trying to convince him to let me sit in on a class. With all that, I felt comfortable that I wanted to go here.
But it all changed within the first week I was here. I was a pretty social person in HS, I went to parties a lot, I played 2 sports. But making friends at UMD seem impossible for me. I went to a few frat parties and socials. But nothing came out of it. I live in a single so I don’t have a roommate. The kids on my floor are mostly art/music majors so I don’t interact with them a lot. I’m not sure what it is, but making friends was hard. they only kids I was talking to were the ones I had class with, and that was only about school. I tried even harder and joined a club, but it got boring so I quit that. All in all UMD wasn’t what i expected.
So my question is: What do I do now?
I’m probably gonna try and transfer out next year, but is there anything i can do now?
What colleges accept spring transfers?
You have been there what, 10 weeks? And if you transfer, you will be coming late to the social game at a new school, too.
I’d suggest you look for things that bring you more into contact with other people. Get a part time job on or near campus. Join an activity that puts you in contact with others for long periods – stuff like the school newspaper or theater groups, etc might be options. Try a different club. Volunteer on or near campus. Go to events alone and talk to people in line or sitting next to you. See if anyone in your classes wants to form a study group.
MY D realized after just a few weeks that she was not a good fit at her U.
She applied to transfer for her second semester her freshman year.
I will always give her credit for being in charge of her own experience.
We teach our kids to “tough it out” but not to just say “I made a mistake” and move on.
She has made so many lifelong friends from her second choice!
I transferred my Junior year–thanks to my mother who insisted I give it “time”.
Never did make any real friends after my transfer.
@student23456543
Don’t be fooled into thinking the grass is always greener elsewhere. Making friends and finding your group may be hard everywhere. G’town is a fabulous school. but it can also be tough for first year students. So much of the social life takes place in town and off campus, that building community takes more time there. And it you are underage or don’t have a fake id, you can be left out altogether.
If you feel UMD is not the right ‘fit’ it’s fine to transfer, but just make sure you know very specifically what you are looking for
You left out some important details. What about the academics? Does the school meet your requirements? Are the professors good? Are your fellow classmates your academic peers? Do you feel challenged? Are you getting the quality education you want? If yes, then I would consider sticking the year out while considering your transfer options. I assume this is a large school. The pros are that at a large schools that there should be people like you however the large size can make it extremely difficult to find them. Don’t give up. If the academics are not what you want then by all means get out. Meanwhile keep the grades up and give the clubs another chance.
@noname87 This hasn’t affected my academics, i would never let that happen. UMD is great, not as good as Hopkins or ivy’s but it’s ok. I was planning on trying to transfer anyways. people get mad when i say it, but its the truth. UMD academics are no match for the top universities.
@oregon101 What schools did she transfer to, I am looking for schools that take spring transfers as well.
@wisteria100 It’s not what i had hoped for, i think one of the reasons I’m not trying hard enough is i know that i may transfer and have to make new friends.
@intparent It’s not that I don’t try, its that i have found people with the same interest. Like i started playing club lacrosse but quit because all the kids were already friends and it was just hard to connect.
How about giving it a year and then reassessing your situation? In meanwhile, give it your best shot academically so if you need to transfer, you have good choices ahead of you.
Are your parents willing/able to fund a more expensive school? Do you have graduate school aspirations as I hear that BME often requires? Will they continue to help you financially for grad school too if you deplete undergrad funds. Think really hard about the costs before you make a move. You chose this school because of the cost benefit.
Think about this from a business standpoint. It’s an undergrad degree- do well, get it, and move on. You have a good deal at UMD with the scholarship which is a fine school. Do well and you can go to grad school anywhere else you want, but don’t waste time floundering around at this stage of the game.
The point I was trying to make was will UMD get you where you want to go? If yes, then consider staying for the year while researching your transfer options. If the program will not meet your needs (academic, career goals) then the sooner you transfer the better. This assumes that you can afford it. If you cannot then put all your effort into making it work.