A year later and still cannot decide! Transfer to Tulane?

nova2nola
Thu, 10 Jan 2013 07:44:24 +0000

Transfer rates in the most recent common data set for Tulane are something like 14%. Not all that promising. They have been having oversubscribed freshman classes, so there really isn’t much room for transfers, unfortunately. Of course, it can’t hurt to try, and you might get lucky.

Another thing to consider is that freshman year is the year for bonding with your new dormmates and very open, easy socialization. Transfers miss out on this, which makes it harder to find your niche and circle of friends. If you are the type of person who is very outgoing and likes to get involved, it might not be a big problem for you. But you would be very far from home, without the support of your family and old friends. Be realistic about your abilities to cope with possible loneliness or feelings of isolation in the first couple months.

A guidance counselor friend once told me that the only reason a student should consider transferring colleges is academics (program you want is unavailable, rigor is lacking, etc.). Her rationale was that other reasons for transferring tend to be things that won’t really change just by changing locations. It is usually best to stick it out and put your heart into making your current college work for you.

Good luck, whatever you decide!