Taking a quarter break and transferring into new school for Spring 2011?

<p>I just finished my second year at the University of California in San Diego (UCSD). I am currently pursuing a Human Biology major with the intention of becoming a general practitioner. However, I am very unhappy with this university and wish to transfer. Sadly, I decided to do this around May when the transfer deadlines for many schools have passed. I wish to take a quarter break (take time off during the Fall Quarter) and apply for schools during that period so that I can resume attending another university beginning the Spring 2011 Semester. </p>

<p>My cumulative GPA in college is a 2.95. I started out with a 3.2 and it went downhill from there. However, this past spring quarter I received a 3.5 which brought my GPA up to a 2.95. I wish to transfer to schools that are in the Midwest/East regions of the U.S. I am originally from Missouri so I would apply to schools like SLU, Truman State University, etc. However, I am really wishing to get into Providence College in Rhode Island. Is this school a reach for me? Though they do not require the SAT/ACT I wish to submit my scores. (ACT composite score of 32 and SAT score of 2030. High school GPA: 3.8)</p>

<p>In high school I was the captain of the varsity dance team, a delegate of Student Council, a Peer Teacher, Secretary of the National Honor Society, member of the Mu Alpha Theta, and Music Honor Society. I played the violin and piano for approximately 10 years and have received awards in piano competitions. I was also an active member of my church’s praise team as a vocalist and pianist.</p>

<p>I’ve had the opportunity to go on several mission trips that were combined with medical team members to Yucatan, Mexico and Honduras. (Yucatan in '06 Honduras in '07 and Honduras again this summer '10) </p>

<p>At UCSD, I was a member of the Habitat for Humanity group, a hospital volunteer at the local Veterans Affair Hospital, and traveled to Mexico on a few weekends to entertain children in local orphanages. </p>

<p>My question overall is, is it a good idea for me to take a break this fall and apply to other universities for Spring 2011 even though my GPA is a 2.95? I would fill my gap quarter with volunteer services in a local hospital, spend time working a part-time job, and other volunteer services in my community. I was also thinking about attending a community college and maybe take a few classes. I would really like this time to really find who I am and what health career I would really like to pursue. </p>

<p>Would all of this hurt me or help me in the end? Please let me know what you think!</p>

<p>Please give me your honest opinions. I’d really appreciate feedback on this situation. Thank you! :)</p>