<p>seriously, i have been physically ill for the last few days under the pressure of making a decision whether or not to transfer. i’ve posted A LOT trying to get some helpful responses, so sorry if you’ve heard this before. I’m currently at Smith, and the last year was really tough. I don’t like the all-female aspect and socially, it just doesn’t seem to have the same things going on that other schools do. Not that there isn’t a social scene, but the fact that you usually have to travel to other schools to find it, makes things difficult. I also don’t really like big parties, and those are really the only things that go on at other campuses that smithies go to. I’m from MN and the other school I’m looking at transferring to is Macalester. Academically they are a toss-up so i’m comparing them on other factors. I had always wanted to go “out east” to school, and i did, coming back to MN next year feels like giving up in way. Is it stupid to make a decision based on the fact that, at Smith, i feel special because I’m not from there- and like telling people at home that i go to school so far away, makes me feel good? I know what other people think shouldn’t matter, but the idea of telling people i know from high school that I’m going to school in st. paul next year, and getting the “oh, so your coming home huh?” response- makes me want to throw up. Does anyone have any other reasons as to why i should go one way or the other? I wasn’t completely miserable at Smith, but there were times when i was pretty close, though whether or not that was me or school is debatable. Anyway, if anyone has anything to contribute, i would be forever grateful! seriously, right now i’m just ready for it to be over with it, but i still haven’t made a decision i feel confident with more than a few minutes. HELP!!!</p>
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<p>Yes it is. These are not the people you will spend the rest of your life with. You need to find the ‘right’ school for you. If you don’t think you fit in with the social environment at Smith, I think that’s good enough reason to transfer. But don’t make this decision without knowing and feeling that Macalester has what you want (and Smith doesn’t have). It could also be that you haven’t found your niche yet (if you are a rising soph).</p>
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Another three years like this??
vs a few moments of discomfort?</p>
<p>Seems like a no brainer to me. And you can plan out how you tell people so you put a real positive swing on it. Don’t be miserable for the next three years because of pride. Good luck.</p>
<p>i am a rising soph. thanks for your response. still love to hear what anyone else has to say. would most like to hear from other midwest kids who went out east or wanted to…</p>
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<p>Feeling special is a poor reason for attending a particular college, especially when the feeling of specialness is derived from something as unspectacular as being from far away. The ideal college experience is not about feeling special; it’s about getting the education which is best for the soul and future.</p>
<p>I am surprised that you say that “telling people you go to school far away” makes you feel good. I would imagine that the locals in Minnesota are much more familiar with Macalester than Smith since it is nearby, and that they know Macalester is prestigious, but are less likely to know that Smith is prestigious. I would think that a Minnesotan would want to attend Macalester over Smith for that reason, for the recognition and alumni network that accompanies Macalester in Minnesota. A scenario far from, and quite opposite, to the said glory of attending college far away on the East coast in small town Mass.</p>