ans144

I am currently a freshman at Georgetown University. I did well in high school, Georgetown was my first choice going into my senior year, and I was accepted early.
However, I have had depression on and off since the beginning of my senior year, and in the spring I had a change of heart and told my parents I wanted to take a gap year, which they refused because I didn't have time to plan it. Since I have been at college it has become increasingly more difficult to deal with my emotions, and although so far I have been able to keep up academically and socially, it is taking a serious toll on me. I am considering a medical leave of absence-what I would really like is some time off with no stress where I can focus on fixing the things that have been plaguing me and also maybe do something really cool-travel, community service etc.
I also have had a serious change of heart about Georgetown-I know it seems it is early to judge, especially with my depression coloring my opinion of it-but I am positive from vibes that this is not the place for me. There are parts that I love-the city of D.C, a few professors and classes, but I want to go somewhere completely new and diverse, where I am surrounded by completely different people who are unlike me, and not dominantly preppier and wealthier. Georgetown also doesn't have the strongest department in what I am interested in studying, and not a huge focus on anything besides politics. I just want the option to be able to not come back here next year.
My questions essentially are:
1) If I were to leave after the fall semester, how would that work with applications? Would I apply to schools as a freshman, or as a transfer student, or would I not be able to do either?
2) If I were to leave right now (mid fall semester) would I apply as a freshman/transfer or neither?
3) Would my best option be to take a shortened leave but otherwise stick out my freshman year and apply to transfer after?
My parents are aware and want to do what is best for me, but we are all worried if I leave I will be stuck in a strange sort of limbo as far as transferring goes.
Thank you for your help!

entomom

I'm sorry to hear about your depression but glad to hear that your parents are working with you to find the best solution. Please remember that school will always be there, take care of yourself first and foremost.

1. It depends on the school you want to transfer to as the definition of who is a transfer applicant ranges from taking 1 post-HS college class (eg. GWU) to taking less than a full year of post-HS college coursework (eg. Y). You need to look on the college website to see what their definitions of a fr and transfer applicant are.

2. If you drop out now, would you end up with Ws on your transcript? My assumption is that if you have a W on your transcript, that means you took the class and wouldn't be different from if you finished the class and got a grade; however, I don't know this for sure, so you need to call schools. If you withdrew before the drop date, I'm not sure how that would be counted for fr vs. transfer admissions, again a call is warranted.

3. How about finishing the semester and taking a leave of absence?

sometransfer

Consider seeing your school psychologist. I might be able to give transfer advice but mental concerns are a little out of my expertise.

1) You would apply for spring transfer. Most schools have a credit restriction so you have to complete at least four courses before transferring, but look up on each school's website to confirm.

2) I don't think you can apply for transfer without finishing any college work.

3) Yes, I think completing your freshman year is your best option. Of course, your mental health takes priority, but try to survive until the year is over.

entomom

At some schools yes, at others no, depends on the school.

Again, it depends on the school.

Yes.

austonian

I would speak to the counselors available at Georgetown--both academic and 'life'/mental health counselors. I think it would be ill-advised to take any withdrawals, especially if you want to transfer or go to grad school. Your best option might be a medical leave, if that is available. I don't know the details regarding financial aid and ability to return so that is what you should speak to counselors about. Hopefully your parents will understand that this is a good alternative to poor grades, unhappiness, or W's on your transcript.