With a new year comes new priorities. Sometimes, the factors that led you to choose your current college are no longer relevant. Did you go away to college planning on a pre-med major and discover your true passion is creative writing… only to discover that the college you are attending doesn’t offer a major in your new field? Did the big urban school of your dreams not feel like home after winter break? Have you started thinking that another college or university might be a better fit for you now? Read our blog post to explore the reasons why you might consider transferring.
Location. It is entirely possible that the rural countryside setting that charmed you in September now feels remote and distant from home. You may have realized that a two-hour drive to campus after taking a long-haul flight across the country is more than you bargained for when you accepted. You might also have realized your academic interests align more closely with an urban environment than a small-town one. Whatever the situation, location will always be one of the most important factors when it comes to feeling settled and at home. And sometimes, you won’t know until you’ve experienced the new environment whether it’s right for you.
Price. The allure of the small liberal arts college with a high sticker price might have been strong once upon a time. Now that you are thinking about future careers and your earning potential, you may think it would be smart to save money and switch to a public university. It’s also possible that your financial aid package or scholarship is going to change year to year; there is a possibility that you won’t receive as much support in the years to come. Your parents’ financial situation may also have changed, impacting what you and your family can now afford. There are plenty of colleges with lower tuition that might be worth considering.
Changing academic interests. The first year of college is a great time for exploring academic subjects. In addition to taking required courses, you have the chance to take new and different electives, in areas you could not have even dreamed about in high school. Many students check the box for a specific major when they apply, and then embark on a field of study that doesn’t interest them as much as they expected. Coming to terms with your major–and whether the school actually offers the classes you want to take–is a big reason to reassess whether a college is a good fit for you.
Availability of preferred programs. Some schools offer specialized programs that every student (or so it seems) wants to join. Not every student will be able to take every class and pursue every interest. Big schools often have waiting lists for desirable classes, and some courses are not offered every semester at smaller schools. Where does that leave you? Trying to figure out a schedule that works for you and puts you on the graduation track that you want to take should be a factor in deciding whether to stay or go.
Access to extracurricular activities. Does the college you are attending offer the breadth and depth of non-academic activities that you were hoping to join? Are there too many things to choose from? Not enough variety? Not enough interest from your fellow students to keep an activity going at full strength? It’s important to find things that sustain you beyond the classroom experience. If your current school doesn’t meet your needs, you may find yourself looking for a place that does.
Quality of life. There are many factors that go into a college’s overall quality of life. Everything from the food in the dining hall and the size of your dorm to the weekend party scene and the late night library hours impact your experience. Too social? Not social enough? Cut-throat academics? Not enough of a challenge? Only you can assess whether or not you are learning and living the way you want. And now is the time to evaluate your personal satisfaction when it comes to your college lifestyle.
Making the decision to transfer is not always an easy one. There are, however, many schools out there that welcome transfer students and can offer the opportunities and experience you’ve been seeking. Consider why you want a change, what specifically you are looking for, and start thinking about the colleges and universities that might be a better fit for you at this point in your academic career.
Leave a Reply