I’m in the donut hole- honestly, I don’t think its likely I can transfer.
I would definitely consider UC study abroad- but they only let you take a max of 2 courses outside Cal in my major (Econ) so I wouldn’t be able to progress normally towards graduation.
“I would definitely consider UC study abroad- but they only let you take a max of 2 courses outside Cal in my major (Econ) so I wouldn’t be able to progress normally towards graduation.”
I don’t really understand that. Your major courses make up, what, 1/3 of your total required classes at most, right?
Have you planned out your classes to see what could fit?
@PurpleTitan I agree, many of the most generous liberal arts colleges are not easy to transfer into. OP can check section D of the Common Data Sets to get an idea of many transfers each college typically takes.
I wanted to provide an opposing opinion to the “it gets better” crowd. Sometimes that is the case, but not always. I have had too many students come to my office hours overwhelmed and discouraged by the sink-or-swim environment, and not all of them are freshmen.
I am not saying OP should transfer, but it’s worth emphasizing that there is no shame in considering it. I don’t think it’s healthy to feel trapped at a school because of its name.
Certainly econ majors can do a semester abroad and still graduate in 4 years. I can imagine how this might be more difficult for engineering majors, but not econ majors. In addition, just about any summer job is a good experience for an econ major after their freshman year.
edited to add that the Berkeley econ major allows for up to two econ courses taken outside of the UC econ department (including those taken abroad) to count towards the major, which is more than enough for a one semester study abroad experience.
Hmm yeah, maybe I’ll research study abroad more.
Still, it would only be a semester.
I think a huge part of my frustration right now just stems from turning down that program, and knowing that I’ll never have an option like that again.
So have you planned out what classes you’d have to take to graduate (and what you have knocked out with AP classes, etc.)? There’s no shame in taking a semester/year-long break as well (pretty certain Cal would allow that) or taking classes at a CC near home for a semester (look in to what credits would transfer over).
But the big thing (assuming that something like transferring in to a top LAC that your family can afford is fairly unrealistic) is realizing that you actually have a lot of agency, especially once you drop ideas of what you “should” do. Making your base strong (sleeping enough, working out, eating well, being mentally prepared) is the most important part, since everything else builds on the base.
OK, yes, you will never enter that program again, just like (if you have or ever will break up) you will never find someone exactly like that SO again. But just like that doesn’t mean you won’t meet other people who may be better in other ways, that doesn’t mean you won’t ever have opportunities for other programs, other opportunities, etc. Life doesn’t end after undergrad, after all. A couple decades from now, you will barely remember any internship you had or even if you did or not.
The economics major at UCB requires 4 lower division (up to 3 of which can be covered by AP credit) and 8 upper division courses (3 required and 5 in-major electives, and prerequisite sequences are not that long) for a total of 12 courses (although additional math and statistics courses are recommended if you want to go on to PhD study in economics). For context, you will probably take about 32 courses over eight semesters. So even if a study abroad semester covers only general education and free elective courses, there is no reason it should set your progress to graduation back.
You are experiencing buyer’s remorse and grass looks greener at schools you didn’t pick. Every decision has a different set of pros and cons. Forget about where you could’ve gone and focus on where you are going.
It’s a great school, 90% of world’s high schoolers would gladly trade places with you. A fantastic school like UC Berkeley, near home in sunny, beachy, techy and liberal California, tuition paid by parents, it’s an enviable position. Embrace and enjoy your good fortune, take hardship as a token price for a bright future.
If you are feeling depressed, take a semester off to re-evaluate rationally while you aren’t overwhelmed with too much on your plate so you can make a better decision.
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I’ll tell you a funny story about a kid who graduated high school with my oldest (so he’s 6 months out of college at this point). At decision time, he was presented with a wealth of choices…not just regular college things but things like the robertson at duke and the morehead-cain at UNC and something at one of the CA schools…and then regular old admissions like at uChicago. he agonized…he struggled…he literally talked to every person he could find at every college. So he chooses one. 24 hours later, he’s hit by a thunderbolt that he’s selected the wrong school…he’s devastated…he can’t even talk about his decision…he can’t believe how it was possible to make a decision so misguided. But it’s too late…the other choices are gone.
The first year at the chosen school, terrible…this is one of those kids who just thinks about stuff too much. Anyway, you already know the end…the chosen school did turn out to be the right school…he’s had amazing experiences and is now in one heck of a great career.
the road not taken can never be known…but I believe the road you’re on now is the right road.
So my engineering son at Michigan did study abroad in the summer. It didn’t impact his courses in any negative way and it fact due to it, it is helping him get a certificate in a side interest. Look at your summer programs but do it soon since signing up for them might be like now or very soon. You don’t have to do study abroad during the year.
As an aside. My son applied to Berkeley and even did a 10th grade summer there for engineering… Really liked the campus and fit and feel … Then got rejected! ?. Grass is always greener… As they say.
Regents in the UC system is a big deal and you’ll definitely notice the benefits (housing and class priority) in subsequent years. It will also impress potential employers. So you certainly shouldn’t feel that you are missing out on future opportunities. And it’s unlikely you’ll find anything remotely as impressive (or as good value) as a transfer student.
It’s easy to feel lost in a big school environment. But it gets better as you figure out the system and find your feet. Economics is a really short major, it will give you lots of time for study abroad, unless you really want to do extra math courses for grad school. Regents also means you’ll have no problem getting the classes you need. Look at options like the year exchange with LSE if you want to find a different experience.