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Dissatisfied with current institution - What now?
collegewoman29
22 replies11 threads Junior Member
I was planning on attending a small NESCAC but changed my mind last minute due to concerns with the small size, campus culture, location, etc. However, I am now realizing that all I would actually prefer a small community. I don't like the urban environement here nor do I like the student body. I am very unsure of what to do. I have been offered Spring admission at the NESCAC but feel that I would look insane for going there after changing my mind about it. Should I stay here for a year? Should I apply as a Spring transfer at another small LAC? Please let me know.
23 replies
Replies to: Dissatisfied with current institution - What now?
But make sure you aren't jumping just because you've had trouble finding your "people". That takes time, no matter where you go, and no matter how small the student body. Wherever you go- there you are, as the saying goes. Which means you need to make sure you've really thrown yourself into exploring all the academic and intellectual resources, AND reaching out to all kinds of people and groups and activities before concluding that it's not there. But might be somewhere else.
What do your parents say?
There's always the dilemma, is it best to ride it out, often things don't click right away, that's perfectly normal, and probably true for more students than not, even if it doesn't feel like it; OR it really is a poor fit and time to move on.
I'll just say one of mine is currently a senior. They decided to transfer a month into freshman year. They applied to a similarly ranked national university, was accepted, and started there in the spring. They are super involved--in a lab, working on campus, in a Greek organization, and in an honors society. They love the decision. That first spring semester was a little slow socially, but they just said, okay I'll just kill it in my classes. And they did. By fall of the next year, everything was clicking. So it can work out fine.
So good luck. Stay positive, that helps as much as anything. Stay engaged, explore both options as you move forward. Make the best choice for yourself and run with that. Just know your feelings are natural and shared by many. Good luck!
If you don't know which school you want to transfer to, then wait until you are sure.
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/09/10/magazine/college-admissions-paul-tough.html
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/trinity-college-connecticut/2054267-any-thoughts-about-trinity-college-p1.html.
Hopefully you can access this article in your school library either physically, or online thru its website....you should have free NYTimes access, no?
Currently the NESCAC school is undergoing a transition from the ultimate preppy, rich white kids school to a more diversified student body. But the partying & drug scene still exists.
Both are urban schools, although Chicago is "more urban" than is Hartford.
What are you seeking in a college or university ? I ask because now is the time to work on transfer applications.
What do you want to study ?
Is the NESCAC school offering financial aid ?
P.S. Have you considered Connecticut College ?
University of Richmond for business & number of students (3,019 fulltime undergraduates).
Bucknell University & Colgate University.
Providence College may be a decent option for you as it offers a business major, has decent size & is urban.
Villanova University offers business & has a lot of serious students. Also a match as you seem comfortable with Jesuit / Roman Catholic environments.
Fordham University might be of interest to you.
An interesting West Coast choice might be Claremont McKenna College (a member of the 5 school Claremont consortium which includes Pomona College). Great for the study of poly sci & economics in an intimate but not suffocating environment.
Answer: Work hard & earn the highest grades that you can.
Then transfer to:
Boston College, Fordham University, Univ. of Richmond, College of William & Mary, Colgate University, Bucknell University, Claremont McKenna College, Providence College, or to SMU.
If interested in a school, google "Common Data Set for Bucknell University", then scroll down to the section on transfer students to assess your chances for admission as a transfer applicant. Often transfer admit rates are higher than freshman admit rates, but not always. At some schools, transfer admit rates are lower.
Bucknell College has a beautiful campus in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. About 3,600 fulltime undergraduate students, about 50/50 male/female.
Biggest majors are economics, then accounting & finance, then a 3 way tie for Psychology, political Science/Government, & Biology.
Attracts wealthy kids. Only 38% receive financial aid. Attractive students who work hard & play hard. In addition to beer, they actually consume a good bit of hard liquor--which is disturbing to me--but they don't care what I think as the retention rate is a superb 93%.