<p>I’m into Penn, but now I’m really unsure with whether I should transfer or not. I’m currently a rising Sophomore at Rice University so I would be entering my Sophomore year at Penn. I love Rice a lot, I have great friends, research lined up for the fall semester, and three leadership positions in clubs, and a 4.02 GPA. I applied to transfer to Penn, because it’s a lot closer to home (40 minutes from my house as opposed to 26 hours), has more opportunities, greater prestige, and a better alumni network. </p>
<p>However, I’m scared that I won’t make any friends at Penn if I transfer because all the friend groups are solid already. It won’t be like freshman year where everyone is trying really hard to make friends. Can someone allay or confirm my fears?</p>
<p>If you are not unhappy or doing poorly at Rice, there is no reason to jeopardize your success by transferring. The amount of available opportunities are not that different at the two schools and while UPENN is a little more prestigious, this characteristic is largely overrated, especially in the eyes of employers. So really your decision should boil down to how important it is to be close to home. If you truly feel that you need to be near family for whatever reason, then UPENN may be worth consideration. If not, I would suggest sticking it out at Rice. Just keep in mind that the grass always seems greener on the other side, but this expectation generally does not come to fruition. I’ve known many students who are unhappy with their transfer decisions as they figure out that they were actually happier at their previous college. Just keep that in mind, and make sure you are transferring for the right reasons.
Secondly, I wouldn’t worry about making friends at UPENN if you do decide to go that route. While it is probably more difficult and will take more effort and initiative than as a freshman, it is still relatively easy since it is college after all. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>That’s true I am doing very well at Rice; however, I forgot to mention the most important factor in my decision, other than how easy it is to acclimate to the new social atmosphere of Penn. I came out at Rice and the atmosphere has been accepting; however, there are very few openly gay people at Rice and I heard there’s a much larger, more active gay population at Penn. Is this true?</p>
<p>That is definitely a fair concern. While Rice is an extremely accepting community, its small size makes it likely that there is a lack of openly gay people. UPENN, based on its sheer size, likely has a much larger gay community. If being around people who are like you is really important, then UPENN may be worth consideration. Although bear in mind, that while there may be more options at UPENN, the gay community will be an overwhelming minority at almost any school.
Another thing to consider is that Rice is located near the gay district in Houston (Montrose) where there is tons of gay bars, clubs and events. If you are really concerned about the dearth of gays at Rice and you choose to stay next year, it might be worth your time to venture into that community. I know of plenty of Rice student who frequently go to that area and most have positive reviews. Just some food for thought.</p>
<p>Judging from what I’ve seen on the Penn 2016 group, we’re all a really accepting bunch. And there’s at least two openly gay students on the group (who I am getting really close with!) and we’ve had a lot of great discussions about the whole gay marriage issue that’s been going around. Another girl was the president of her school’s LGBTQ club. And I write for a feminist magazine for girls and trans-gender youth. </p>
<p>So my point is, if you’re looking for acceptance and support, Penn has it :)</p>
<p>Also, while exploring the Penn LGBT Center web site, be sure to check out the the three videos (they run sequentially), including the transfer student in the first video at 2:30:</p>
<p>mwtwgt: Going to Montrose is definitely a possibility, and I’ve been trying to go there all year. However, I do not have any means of transportation to go by myself, and my friends, although incredibly supportive, do not have any interest in going with me. But yes, given another year I’m sure I could become more involved in the Montrose community.</p>
<p>45 Percenter: Thank you for sending me those links. The first of them I had read and reading articles like those are what really convinced me to apply to Penn. I hadn’t seen the videos before and they certainly reinforce my supposition that Penn does much more to support and nurture its LGBTQ community than Rice does.</p>
<p>nebbalish: Thank you I might just have to check the group out even though I’d be coming in as a sophomore.</p>
<p>Rice is a great school, but based on what you’ve said, I would go to Penn.
From what I’ve heard from other people, Penn might be a little tough to transfer into socially if you’re in the “Greek” crowd, but not in a frat, which is decided freshman year mainly.
But the gay community doesn’t have social stratification freshman year, and you would make a lot of friends I’m sure. From everyone I’ve talked to, a lot of parents, while Penn has a great gay community, gay students are vital parts of the other social scenes.</p>
I might just have to check the group out even though I’d be coming in as a sophomore.</p>