Transfer out as spring admit at present college?

entredeuxmondes
Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:19:12 +0000

I was accepted into two schools, only my “safeties,” and am bent on reapplying to schools such as Columbia, Yale, Johns Hopkins, Wesleyan, and NYU (in order of priority).
I ruled out one school and the other I was accepted as a spring admit. It’s a great school with excellent programs, and I got a nearly full scholarship for the spring semester. However, I don’t find myself comfortable there, mostly due to its isolation.

My dilemma: As a spring admit, I join the class in January 2011. I asked to be placed in the Fall Semester class, but was told it was highly unlikely. Therefore, I must get credits from APs or community college. If I definitely cannot transfer to the fall semester, I would like to study (with transferable credit) at either of two overseas universities (partners with my college), such as the American University of Paris. I spoke with representatives and I may apply, but as a regular freshman staying for a semester rather than an exchange student since I am not considered a student of the college until January 2011. Therefore, I must fund these trips by myself though there may be some financial aid provided by the overseas universities.

Also, is it possible that studying abroad for the first semester in fact hurts my chances of transferring out? My reasons for transferring out as of now is because of the lack of vigor/competition I may experience (likely) and my discontent with the social life and isolation. I may like it, but let’s assume I don’t by March.

What I’m asking is essentially, what is better for transfer admission?
studying overseas and apply for transfer despite being at college for only 2.5 months? vs studying at undesirable college in Honors program?

Consider that I have issues regarding financial aid.

It’s almost as though this Spring admission is lessening my chances of transferring out, since I’d assume that good transfer applicants are those who apply themselves at their present college as much as possible, but find faults with it.

Please reply asap!

Other problems: submitted my deposit, but will find out whether I may transfer into the Fall probably after May 1, which is the deadline of the other college. The other college’s deposit is much more expensive, and I don’t want to pay up just to save a spot at a college I most likely will find myself miserable at.