Advice on exploring transfering

<p>Hi guys I really need your help, advice, and perspective.</p>

<p>I am from a southwestern suburb of Chicago. I am currently and engineering student and varsity softball player at Bucknell University. I am currently thinking of my options to transfer. I really thought I would love this school: the academics especially for engineering is top notch, the softball is at the D1 patriot league level (so intense but not overbearingly intense), and the idea of venturing away from home and being out east in central Pennsylvania seemed very appealing. What I am finding I don’t like about this school is basically the small size and how it is in a very rural area. It really pains me that I feel like I am really not loving this school because it was one of the proudest moments in my life when I signed here for softball. But I am starting to realize that I might be happier at a bigger university since Bucknell has only about 4,000 undergrad. My other options for schools were University of Illinois and University of Minnesota. Above everything I want to major in engineering but I am nervous that an engineering degree at a bigger school will be much harder to come by than at a smaller school. And even though it pains me, if I do transfer to a bigger university, I know I will just have to give up softball because transferring is enough of a hassle in itself. I know I was really going to reevaluate my feelings at winter break, but I feel like I do not want to spend the rest of the school year with the mindset of transfer.</p>

<p>I really need some advice on this whole situation. What are some major points and options I should highly consider? WHAT SHOULD I THINK ABOUT AND THEN DO?</p>

<p>I would also like to point out that as a result of my scholarship at Bucknell (since the school is so stinkin expensive) the price for me to attend any three of these colleges would be relatively the same.</p>

<p>Please I just need some advice and fresh perspectives!!!</p>

<p>I need help!!</p>

<p>~~BUMP</p>

<p>I need as much input as possible</p>

<p>Contact the schools you are considering, plan a visit to see if they really are a good fit. Some schools will not allow you to transfer without 2 semesters from another school. Make sure your current GPA is strong. The engineering programs are competitive you will need to make sure your resume/class selections are ambitious. It is hard to love a school you believe you will transfer from but make the most of this time. It will show that you are hardworking to your future schools. Good Luck</p>

<p>Thank you very much for your advice. I now know that at the end of the year I am going to have to make the hardest decision of my life!</p>