AlricT

I'm looking to transfer from my current school, and have been looking at both traditional & non-traditional transfer options. I'm a couple of years older than the usual college student, but I'm not sure which programs/schools would be best for me.

I attend an utra-competitive 'Top 10' institution, so I don't mind a somwhat intense workload. I'm dissatisfied with the rather strong provincial attitude at my current school, although it is very diverse according to all the college guides. And, although my university is located in a large student mecca, it seems as if students keep to themselves, rather than make use of the city.

Perhaps because I'm a little older, I want a school which also has either a sizable non-traditional population or a dedicated college that caters somewhat to slightly older (22 and up) students.

These are the non-traditional programs which I've looked at (as well as some traditional ones):

Non-Traditional:
1. School of General Studies/Columbia
2. College of General Studies/UPenn
3. University College/Northwestern
4. University College/Wash U
5. School of Professional Studies/Johns Hopkins
6. Resumed Undergraduate Education Program/Brown
7. Liberal Studies Program/Georgetown
8. Eli Whitney Program/Yale
9. Return-To-College Program/Connecticut College

Traditional:
1. University of Virginia (Honors)
2. University of Texas (Honors)
3. University of Michigan (Honors)
4. University of Wisconsin (Intergrated Liberal Studies/Honors)
5. Indiana University (Honors)
6. University of Oregon (Honors)

Any thoughts or ideas? Comments are appreciated.

TIA.

wmxfer2005

I, too, am a non-traditional transfer but instead of entering in to a non-traditional program at my local university (w/ 30,000 students and out of convenience's sake) i opted to go w/ a smaller college (about 5,000) w/ a better academic reputation. I'm glad I made this choice because just the other day I received a phone call with an invitation to attend a a reception for other non-trads entering that school (I think about 58 of them). In addition, I was paired up w/ a student mentor who is also non-trad who is willing to offer advice on just about everything! So, although the # of non-trads at the school is still relatively low, it's great that I have the opportunity to get to know them and use as a support system.

AlricT

Wmxfer:

Thank you for the insight. I'm a bit unsure as to which kinds of programs would fit me best, so I'm looking at every option. I too am considering some smaller schools, although they are not listed above. I thought about a few NLAC, and my list includes:

1. Beloit College
2. Bard College
3. University of Puget Sound
4. Sarah Lawrence College
5. (As above) Connecticut College
6. Pitzer College
7. Trinity College (CT)
8. University of Richmond

The last two are a bit more conservative than the ones above it, but they strike me as interesting. As I said above, I'm in a 'traditional program', but it's striking how at odds I am with students a few years younger than I. It's probably because I've mellowed a bit, although my study & time management skills (learned outside school) have served me well in the classroom, and in relation to some of the kids in my courses.

I think I miss the diversity in age that often comes with schools that have non-traditional programs or schools. I know it sounds odd, but there seemed to be more diversity when I was out of school (with respect to age and backgrounds at least). At my present school, I do have a few friends who are a bit older, though they are almost all in grad school. My interactions are different with them than with 18-to-21 year-olds (because of interests). My traditionally aged friends tend to hangout more, play video games, and enjoy political rallies, rather than listen to guest speakers (unless there will be a protest) and concerts (unless they are majoring or are involved in the arts). It's an odd thing. But, my older friends and peers tend to be more accepting of different viewpoints, although they are less active politically. While my younger friends and peers core values are more liberal, but less accepting. I guess it would be like that anywhere, although access to different kinds of people, I would think, would be greater at schools with a good sized non-traditional population.

returningstudent

What a great post! I'm a returning student too, and it's nice to hear that there are others like me out there!

I would add to your list:

Harvard's Extension School
If you are female, the women's colleges (Smith, Mt. Holyoke, etc.) have very good programs.

Also, check out "Traditional Schools for Non-traditional Students" by Carole Fungaroli. It's a fabulous book on this subject.

I was admitted to Columbia/GS, but there is almost NO financial aid. It's about $25,000 in loans per year, with maximum grants and a Phi Theta Kappa scholarship. I didn't get into RUE, and didn't apply to the others.

I think you are doing a great thing by transferring to one of these programs. I'd love to hear more about your progress.

hnbui

just curious but what school do you go to?

AlricT

returningstudent:

Glad to know there are fellow non-traditionals here on the board. There is definately a need for a place to discuss issues concerning those who fall outside the 'traditional' collage age group. I'm just glad I found CC.

Financial aid is an issue, as some returning students are bound by additional commitments, constrained by geography, and often hold down full-time jobs. Just knowing how others have dealt with transitioning, as well as the problems that are faced by going back to school, helps to create a a support system of sorts. Maybe we should lobby for a sub-thread here on CC, would be great, I think. You?

I'd also like to hear about your experiences as well. It helps to know that the boat is not empty.

hnbui:

I go to that University in Cabridge, MA. Great school, but a bit distant from my heart. I wanted to love it, but maybe I'm missing something.

AlricT

Interesting how guarentees-to-meet financial need are not extended to non-traditional programs/schools like Columbia, that do meet the full need of its traditional undergrads in the other schools.

Just a thought.

returningstudent

Interesting that you don't like that particular university. I always thought it would be a haven of brainy, ambitious types, heaven itself. Maybe you could just hang out at the extension school and meet non-traditional students, while going to the regular?

I go to a big school near San Francisco---not Stanford, the other one. And it's not too close to my heart either. Huge, impersonal... "there's no love there" was how someone described it. To be honest, I dread returning in the Fall.

I'm on the transfer waitlist for Stanford, which is a school I dearly love. Unfortunately, they don't have a special program (or even a non-degree extension program for regular classes) for non-traditional students. I find out in a day or two if I got in. Decisions have already been mailed!

If I don't get in off the waitlist, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Going back to the other school just seems like defaulting on the dreams of a college education I've cherished for so long. I guess I could start again at one of the extension schools you listed... but I really love the Bay Area and don't too much like the East Coast. Then again, I haven't experienced it since I was a small child.

And yes, we should lobby for a group! Great idea. I think many of us get lost in the traditional student threads, get turned off, and leave. Let's change that.

wmxfer2005

I think many people will be surprised to find out just how many nt students attend their school. I certainly was, in addition to being relieved. I was fortunate enough not to have to actively seek these people out - maybe if you go traditional, this is something you could consider (actively seeking them out, form a group). And even if the # is low, that small, tight-knit group could be all you need to get you through the days.

I have a great, supportive family & a very understanding (& extremely patient) significant other - they constantly motivate me and remind me about the payoff in the end BUT it is also so important to talk to others in similar situations. It keeps me sane! We are a unique bunch - experienced, focused, driven, and wise. And we should laugh about the differences rather than have it discourage us (for example, the other day a classmate referred to me as 'that lady' - but I'm really not that old! or at least not old enought to get the lady title) Anyone else have that happen to them? You know your a non-traditional student when.....

hnbui

Are you in harvard's extension school?

wmxfer2005

College of William & Mary

1down22go

How about Goddard College in Vermont?

AlricT

returningstudent:

Yeah, I definately know what you mean. I had great expectations but was disappointed. It is true that there are students who are truly driven, but they tend to be less social, in that laid back sort of way. Often, friends complain about the pressure, although it is relatively easy to get better than B's. Yet, at the same time, there is some ideological indoctrination that seems out of place when you hear the egalitarian rhetoric outside the classroom.

Maybe it's the angst of being 18-to-21, but passions often over rule considerate and constructive dialog. This seems to be less true of most of the other programs, though I have only visited some of them. I understand that Connecticut College, Trinity (IDP), Tufts (REAL), Mt. Holyoke (for Women), Washington U, Smith (Women), URichmond, Wellesley (Women), UPenn, and Boston College (Woods) are friendly and very supportive. In particular, Trinity, Boston College, Washington U, UPenn, Tufts, Connecticut, URichmond, and BC have struck a chord with me.

I tend to be stoic about most things, but I've realized, after my time at Harvard, that I do need some support that is specific to the fact that I am an older adult with different needs and experiences than that of the traditional college-aged student. Maybe my school is a bit stand-offish, but I truly believe that support is a bit lacking...it might be different with the Harvard Extension School, but I have not had the chance to take a class from that Division.

I've also learned that I prefer a smaller school or school within a university (Honors program/seperate school) as they tend to be more responsive. I wish I would have known that before, but I guess better late than never.



Wmxfer:

I felt the same...athough I later realized that those interesting folks I met that were near my age were graduate or Extension School students. And, I too have been called that 'Man Sitting in Front'. I guess I should be flattered by that moniker, though I sometimes still feel like a youngster.

It's great to hear that you've gotten so much support...I know that must help to ease the stress of juggling several things at once. I know that just knowing others are out there who are going/have gone through the same things makes it less daunting.

Anyhow, it's awesome to know that no matter what age we are, in the end it's the comiserating and laughing that helps get us through.

AlricT

returningstudent:

I'll be crossing my fingers about Stanford. It must be a bit stressful for you right now. Like things are in limbo. I understand that, as I'm going into my second year....and have just started the process of looking at transfer schools. It's a bit odd to know that I'm going back to Cambridge in August, when I know that there are better fit schools. I'll just have to be diligent until next May. It seems like an aweful looong time. Like the drip of a leaky faucet.

As for other programs, The Evergreen State College in WA, prefers older students....just found out the average age is around 29, as compared to 20 at most colleges. They have around 4000 students and extensive weekend programs as well. I think I may drive up there to check it out. I'll keep you posted.

Seriously though....Mt. Holyoke & Smith have great programs...and you can take classes at Amherst & Hampshire (as well as UMassachusetts-Amherst)...in a great area. Definately a great opportunity. In fact, I've gone to the Hadley/Amherst/Northhampton area to visit friends and friends of friends many times--I like it much better than my current school, shhh.

Wish I could become a student at those two schools, but I am unfortunately male. You might actually like it better than Stanford. In any case, I wish you the best. Let me know how that goes. In the meanwhile, keep your chin up and know you're not alone.

Have a great day.

AlricT

For anyone who is interested, also look at Bard, Sarah Lawrence, Skidmore, Evegreen State College, Syracuse, Southern Methodist, and Tulane.

AlricT

hnbui:

I'm at Harvard College...though The Extension school should have been an option...had I know about it when I was doing my applications.

hnbui

how many more years do you have? Also what is it that you are looking to study?

AlricT

I'm going into my second year....probably humanities/social science.

returningstudent

Yeah, I'm definitely in limbo---but at least it's just for a few more days at the most. (Unless I get held over to another waitlist... but that's pretty unlikely, and preferable to a simple "no", in my opinion.)

I'm really going to have to sit back and reevaluate my options at the moment, because I'm already a junior (by some counts, more than a junior), and I've already transferred once from community college to "real college". I need to make a good strategic decision at this point, because it is now the "late" in "better late than never" for me.

In your decision, I think it is key to find out exactly how much of a penalty "non-traditional" programs apply to your future prospects. I've never gotten a straight answer on this (from the colleges themselves, grad schools, or students), and it sounds like it is really an important part of your (and my own too, I guess) decision.

hnbui

yale would be a great choice for you then.