Advice from people who have transfered, how did you stay the whole year???

eekqnf · 12-08-2009, 07:50 PM

I am currently a freshman at a state school that was my (literally) LAST choice school. I didn't realize until after the whole college admission process that I want to go to UT Austin. I am currently 10+ hours away from home and feel so isolated. I don't have many friends, mainly acquaintances,i don't like the social scene here. I don't mind the drinking but since im in a small town, there is literally nothing else to do and I mainly spend my time alone. my classes are easy for the most part so I am making good grades but my question is, for those who transfered after staying for all of freshman year, how did you make it?? I mean, I know I can, it is just that it is really tough and I am worried about second semester but I know the smart thing to do is stay the whole year.

ironicallyunsure · 12-08-2009, 08:06 PM

knowing that working towards my goal of going to my dream school was what kept me going. and i had to wait a year and a half. just keep yourself focused and hang in there. i know it's rough but in the end, it'll be worth it.

happymomof1 · 12-08-2009, 10:23 PM

If you are truly miserable, and you have another decent option (job, internship, independent travel, etc.) you could take a leave of absence from your current university as soon as you complete this current term. You could give yourself a "gap semester" and apply to the schools you really want to go to. If none of them work out, you still would have somewhere to return to next fall.

entomom · 12-09-2009, 12:34 AM

Sometimes it takes a while to get used to a new place and meet people. After staying a year you'll be sure that you gave the school a chance and be certain of your decision to transfer.

Hang in there and keep cracking the books. If the social life isn't great and you're at the top of your classes, try applying for some research or other academic pursuits to make the most of your situation.

eekqnf · 12-09-2009, 10:35 AM

thanks for all the advice, I have another question. I need 30 hours to get into UT, by the end of this semester I will have 20 total meaning I only need 10 more. Would it be logical to maybe take a semester off and take 10 hours at a community college in my hometown just to get credits or do yall think that UT would rather see 30 hours from the same school?

* Another thing I was thinking about is taking online courses through my university next semester, would UT look down upon that?

jblevins · 12-09-2009, 01:59 PM

No. Transferring to community college is an excellent choice. My own educational journey was NYU -> community college -> Amherst College. Going to a community college makes you actually more desirable in many circumstances. You're seen as a kind of alternate student, providing diversity.

sundoll · 12-09-2009, 02:08 PM

If you only have 10 hours left after this semester, why not just stick it out? You can turn in your app to UT by March 1st for the fall semester, show that you have those 10 hours in progress and submit your final transcript in May. That's what I would do, simply because transferring to another school, even just a CC, seems to be more of a hassle than it's worth. Unless of course it will save you money, in which case it might be worth it.

I'd call admissions though, speak with an advisor about how it will look to have switched to a CC for only a semester. It might not be an issue, but before you do something that could jeopardize your chances, best to call and find out. Are you looking at coming to Austin Community College? If so please feel free to PM me for advice, etc., I'm finishing up my last semester at ACC now and starting UT in the spring.

wihs · 12-09-2009, 06:28 PM

stay...many freshman are happier the 2nd semester.

LilyMoon · 12-09-2009, 06:47 PM

I also think you should try and finish up the credits where you are. I think it looks more favorable as an applicant that is only transferring once rather then it being the third school. Good luck!

eekqnf · 12-09-2009, 07:20 PM

thanks for the advice, i agree that it is smarter to stay 2nd semester but i have been positive since about september that i am going to transfer so it is definitely tough but i'll do it.

Jimgotkp · 12-09-2009, 08:10 PM

I am literally in the same position as you and am using a possible transfer in September as motivation since you do need a good GPA to transfer elsewhere.

amsbluedevil24 · 12-09-2009, 08:24 PM

WOW! Your situation sounds almost identical to mine!

I am in basically the exact same situation as you. Small town, nothing going on, dislike the majority of people...

That's all I really have to say. Just WOW!

HRF112 · 12-09-2009, 09:17 PM

it's a common situation...

i have almost no friends here, dont do much but study, i feel like i'm wasting my time socially and academically

skyscraper13 · 12-09-2009, 09:28 PM

I am in a pretty similar situation feeling pretty alone in a small town setting as well. I could take the drinking and smoking that goes on here all the time if there was something to do other than that, but being an isolated town, there isn't. Good luck to everyone transferring.

Shrinkrap · 12-09-2009, 09:29 PM

Keep in mind that this "common situation", commonly turns out to be "transfer???? No way!" after first semester...just sayin.....