Leaving the Ivy League

If you like the general Philly area, take the train to Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore to check out academic neer-peers that have very different vibes. Because of the Quaker exchange, you could even try classes at one or more of those to see if you do fit in better.

One tried and true escape-from-the-wrong-place option is to take a leave of absence. While on the leave you would have time to think about and explore some other opportunities. Maybe you would decide to return after your leave, maybe you would find a much better place to finish up.

My big college regret is that I didn’t take a leave when I was feeling burned out and directionless. Time off would have been a good thing for me.