Should I apply to transfer?

21Questions
Thu, 08 Mar 2007 16:00:47 +0000

My take:

You have roughly two semesters before you have to make this decision. Commit your self fully to working towards integrating your self in to the Amherst community. Join those clubs, groups and teams.

Dont over estimate the differences between the two institutions. I’ve spent a good amount of time on both campuses and would contend that both schools essentially cater to the same sort of student paradigm, an athletically or socially inclined scholar who is committed to their studies and extracurriculars. Amherst has a reputation for, as you put it, “WASP culture” but I’d say you see just as many “popped collars” on Thayer street.

I think you have a keen sense of what Browns about (mind you, I don’t go there) but I would be exceptionally careful about orientating your college career to a potential shot at transferring. Amherst offers a fantastic learning environment and a relatively varied social make-up, you just really have to commit your self to taking advantage of it. Academic work should not consume your collegiate life, you’ve got to try and work out a balance. If your not really clicking with the social scene, by all means, stay in on a Friday night, but spend that “social time” out on the campus or in a club environment at a different point of the week.

It sounds like your just adjusting to school. You might have regrets, thats fine. I think as long as your recognize, which you do in your post, that this tenancy is probably weighted towards the personal side rather than spurred on by institutional grievances. And if thats the case, the only way to swallow regret is to take it with a dose of commitment, not resignation, to the opportunities and possibilities open to you now. Dont wait till the fall to get involved. If you have to, take a book with you to music class, but at least give it a shot. Either you’ll have a reversal in attitude or you’ll transfer next year starting around February time. Its really a win win situation.