Part of the issue at top colleges is no one ever struggled b4.
While my son is at Alabama he was your top 2% student, 12 APs, 4.6 weighted. Maybe not CMU but he got Purdue and merit.
He goes to Alabama…not even on the same planet as CMU. He’s already withdrawn from two classes (through 5 semesters). We had the nightly phone calls of I’m going to fail out…in fact happens every semester including this. Final result this semester. 2 A+, A, 2 B- including a class he thought he’d fail. He had one B in all of HS yet has had Cs and B minus in college, not to mention dropped courses.
Everyone there is a top student so when they falter they have a hard time dealing. When they’re at a lesser school, it’s really hard for them to accept. She’s not alone.
It’s intense everywhere. Maybe not CMU intense but intense. That’s what you sign up for in that major…anywhere.
So is the major not right ? Is she having trouble adapting socially ? Is she getting exercise, eating well, doing things outside class.
Tons of kids struggle. It’s way too early to give up. If it’s not right, it’s ok to transfer. People do every year. But transferring is no guarantee of happiness.
I think she’s be fine to transfer and schools will look at her favorably.
But no matter where she goes, it will be intense in that major but also hopefully collaborative.
She’s doing great. Good luck to her.