<p>Hello! This is extremely early, but I just began my first year at Fordham University in the Bronx. Let me preface this by saying I do not already hate the school. Recent circumstances have really changed my outlook on life, and the attraction of New York City no longer seems as important to me. I would love to stay in the city if I could find a college that meets my criteria, but I don’t believe I will be able to. I’m not sure if I’ll even end up wanting to transfer as the year progresses, but if you could all give me a little insight into other options I would very much appreciate it. My only stipulation with Fordham so far, and the reason I really feel like I can’t see myself here for the next four years, is the student body. Yes, I have made friends. And yes, I have found like minded people. But what I have also found in my short time here is that the majority of the people here come from wealthy backgrounds, are white, and are quite preppy. I don’t know why I didn’t consider this as a factor more when I chose the school, but I am regretting not doing so. I am here on a sizable scholarship and with a great deal of loans. What I am looking to do is transfer to a better school (assuming my GPA at the end of this semester is a 4.0, which I plan doing my best to achieve), that is ranked high in sociology, philosophy, or biology. Right now I’m on the premed track, but I have recently really enjoyed sociology. I plan on getting my grad degree in sociology regardless so I can hopefully make a decent living. And now honestly what I hope to find: a school that fosters open-mindedness, a rather liberal student body, diversity, and a hippie-ish feel. I like to think that I embody all of those qualities, and unfortunately Fordham does not. I would also love to be at a school that is not religiously affiliated. The setting isn’t particularly important- I’ve looked into Carleton and Reed, and I love the idea of a smaller, welcoming school with a ton of natural beauty, but at the same time I like the idea of a larger school. Honestly, if you could all just list a few schools you know that seem to promote free thought, are known for their social sciences, and have that hippie vibe I’m looking for, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks so much in advance! </p>
<p>First, that scholarship money isn’t going with you when you leave. The transfer college is probably not going to give a lot of money to a transfer student. So I’d suggest you re-examine your priorities and how you would pay for a Reed or Carleton.</p>
<p>Second, a hippie-ish feel is the luxury of the wealthy. middle-class kids can’t afford hippie as often. probably you’re going to find laid back is both expensive and a luxury of the well-to-do.</p>
<p>but here goes: Bard, Oberlin, College of Wooster, New College of Florida, UCSB, Lewis & Clark, Vassar, and Bennington.</p>
<p>adding to jkil911…</p>
<p>“the majority of the people here come from wealthy backgrounds, are white” </p>
<p>Go check out the recent NYTimes list of economically diverse schools:
ww.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/09/09/upshot/09up-college-access-index.html?_r=0</p>
<p>As you can see, Vassar is the strong exception: most of the schools you are talking about are full of ‘wealthy’ kids.</p>
<p>As to non-white students, both of the colleges you mention are in the bottom half of LACs for diversity, with about 70% white students- same as Fordham.</p>
<p>Also, transfer students are usually eligible for financial aid, but it is harder to get. Check retention rates- colleges with high retention rates have fewer spaces for transfers. For example, Vassar has a 22% acceptance rate for incoming freshmen- and 10% for transfers, because so few people leave after first year. Also, it is need blind with a guarantee to meet 100% of demonstrated need- for first years, but for transfers, financial need is considered.</p>
<p>Finally, if your goal is “to make a decent living”, you might want to do some looking into sociology as a career vis a vis the college you go to. Starter salaries in the low 40’s, and mid-career salaries in the 70s aren’t going to look as great when you are paying off all those loans- from college AND grad school- while trying to support yourself, pay a mortgage, etc. Instead of looking for another expensive school, you might think about going to a more affordable school. Graduate with less debt and sociology becomes a more realistic career. </p>