transferring schools

[tld221]

hello GC ppl.

as the title of the thread states, im thinking of relocating.

pros:
1. great school
2. close to home (1/2 hr away)
3. best place for job/internship opportunities
4. lots of different people
5. personal bathrooms (one to a room vs. communal)
6. here on full scholarship

cons:
1. very big, so making friends and being involved is harder (esp for me)
2. no definitive campus setting
3. not feeling much progress with my studies
4. not many black people (statistically 6% of us on campus), and youre lucky if you run into them, much less hang out with them. damn sure not as diverse as they say they are (the diversity is divided here)
5. dont feel completely comfortable socially
6. no school spirit at all! this goes for sports, greek life (its only important if ur in it here) and anything. ive seen ppl wear more other school para than nyu's.

after 3 semesters, i conclude NYU may not be the best school for me.
while it may seem like the # of pros = #of cons, the cons feel heavier than the pros.

here's what i would want out a prospective school (not in order):
1. midsize to large population
2. reputable name
3. new atmospere, but still close to a big city
4. close student body
5. visible greek scene
6. visible minority population (meaning i can count on seeing blacks and hispanics in places other than minority interest meetings and cultural studies classes)
7. individualized programs (that will be hard to find)
8. perhaps stay in NYS (for instate tuition rates and more fin aid)
9. more active dorm life
10. more school parties (nyu has little to none-i like parties beter than clubs)

now i know deciding which school to go to is ultimately my decision, and i will not get everything i want in one school, but no one i know will listen to me about transferring, because theyre tired of hearing about it, or theyre trying to convince me to stay. so i open the floor.

thanks a lot yall.

[CrimsonTide4]

What other cities are you considering?
What other schools?

[tld221]

im open to pretty much anywhere, preferably to stay on the east coast. would be nice to venture out midwest or down south (and i know every1's definition of "down south" is different. for me, "down south" starts at virginia/maryland/dc area)

as for schools, my first choice was syracuse, but they werent uppin the $. a friend of mine goes there and last i heard, she didnt like it too tough, but i shouldnt go on hearsay, right?

aside from that, ones off the top my head- spelman, howard, more recently hampton, umich, uchicago...however im only goin by name. i know little to none about these schools, except that they are recognizable "names."

as far as in-state, i would probably hit up the SUNYs--albany, buffalo, binghamton. perhaps cornell and colgate.

once again, i am going based off of names and reputation. so any help is much appreciated. i am off to barnes & noble to flip through some books. be back soon.

[mulattogyrl]

I also went to NYU my first two years of college. I had the same feelings that you have - no school spirit, not the 'campus' feeling, not a lot of Greek life (although it's there!), DEFINITELY not a lot of black people - just not the typical 'college' feeling that you think you're supposed to get. Cornell and Colgate are very good schools. One of the SUNY's also sounds good, esp. becuase they're still close to home, and they are also pretty reputable schools. I'm not sure about the above schools' minority populations, though, but you would probably get a better 'campus life' feel there. If staying close to home is a priority, I would pick one of those. Now if that's not a priority, well......go down south and party!! No getting an education is most important - don't let me corrupt you.

[tld221]

first off, my trip to b&n was unsucessful. didnt know how to approach my research. beter luck tomorrow.

anyway heres 2 alternative ideas.

#1
apply to whatever schools i choose for fall 04. visit a few of them this semester, including spring break (ours is in march, which is different than most schools i think). wait for acceptances, and by that time i should have a #1 pick right? i will use that summer to take classes there to see how i like the atmosphere.

#2
stay at nyu for now. still visit and apply to schools, take summer classes at some school (which i will choose this semester) and if im feelin it, then maintain matriculation at nyu and study at that school (or another) for fall 04.

feedback is welcome.

[NOWorNEVER]

Originally posted by tld221
im open to pretty much anywhere, preferably to stay on the east coast. would be nice to venture out midwest or down south (and i know every1's definition of "down south" is different. for me, "down south" starts at virginia/maryland/dc area)

aside from that, ones off the top my head- spelman, howard, more recently hampton, umich, uchicago...however im only goin by name. i know little to none about these schools, except that they are recognizable "names."

Wow! I used to remember wanting to break away from my small hick hometown to go to NYU. Actually, I'm considering NYU and Temple later on. But anyway...just throwing out a school for you to check out:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was the first public University in the nation. The school, diversity, academics, reputation, prestige, school spirit, campus life, and campus setting is amazing. Not to mention some famous people who have been students (Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm, Charles Kuralt, Vince Carter, etc.). It fits everything on your list except for #8 and I'm not sure about #7. But you must be smart if you're at NYU, so there's a definite chance you could recieve a merit-based grant or scholarship.
Can you tell I'm partial? I was a student at UNC for a year and a half plus a summer before I ended up transfering and I totally regret it. Best year and a half of my life. I miss the atmosphere so much and I made some really good friends there that have finally forgiven me for leaving. In high school, I felt bored and out of place because, lol, the people were lame. I felt right at home at Carolina. And Carolina girls are the best in the world!! Check the site at www.unc.edu

Good luck with your search and I hope you find what you're looking for!

[tld221]

im getting really excited about transferring, but a twinge of sadness, leaving my city and all. itll be here when i get back right?

list of schools:

Instate
Columbia
SUNY Buffalo
SUNY Binghamton
SUNY Albany
Colgate
Cornell
Syracuse

(leaning towards SUNY Buffalo/Albany and Syracuse)


Outstate/south
Penn State
Howard
Duke
Spelman
UNC


Midwest
Ohio State
UMich
MSU
UMinn

i think this is too many schools to apply to considering im transferring. i didnt apply to as many the first time around.
any additions/eliminations?
much appreciation.

[CrimsonTide4]

You need to narrow that list down BIG TIME!!

What is your major/anticipated major? Why specifically THOSE schools besides the name factor?!?!?! What if you transfer to X and it still does not have everything you are looking for, will you transfer to Y and keep on doing so until you have transferred more than taken classes?


I am just an anti-transfer person unless you are miserable there.

[tld221]

i wouldve pm-ed you, but i guess this should be public knowledge if ne1 else wanted to respond.

i was once anti-transfer, figured "pick one and stay with it." however, i have the liberty to keep it movin if im not happy right?

major- i have whats called a concentration, which means i am combining more than one major to define my studies (not to be confused with a double major, where you take the courses required in both majors. i choose which classes from each major i wish to take and create the balance appropriate for what im into.)

right now, im into black studies, math education (secondary) and writing. to date, ive taken more writing classes, partly because they fill requirements, partly because i have just figured out this is what i want to study.

i know i will not find the "perfect school." and i cant keep leaving schools til i find one. this is why its taking me forever to decide if/where i will make the move.

[1browngirl]

well NOWorNever suggested UNC-Chapel Hill which is a great school and I've looked over your list for a prospective school and would also suggest you check out www.ncsu.edu -- NC STATE UNIVERSITY. It definitely meets or comes close to all your requirements. I graduated from NC State and can definitely say that it was a great school, great atmosphere, close student body, very active/visible minority population & greek scene, close to 2 other major metroplitan areas (Durham & Chapel Hill), etc, etc, etc. check out the website.

[NOWorNEVER]

Originally posted by tld221
i was once anti-transfer, figured "pick one and stay with it." however, i have the liberty to keep it movin if im not happy right?


right now, im into black studies

Hey, my major is African American Studies. It's very insightful but that major here is brand new so it's not as extensive as it was at UNC. My parents are anti-transfer too. All hell broke loose when I told them I wanted to leave. In the end, all the stuff they told me ended up being right. I actually want to transfer back to UNC but my family already thinks I'm flighty so I don't feel like hearing it.

The list of requirements you have is kind of long. You might want to pick out only 3 to 5 things that are really important to you and look for those things within a university.

[rho4life]

Before sending out applications, try to find out how many of your units will be transferable at different schools. It could make the difference of an extra year of school.

Good Luck!

[tld221]

here's narrowing down my "requirement list"

reputable name
new atmospere, but still close to a big city
close student body
visible minority population (meaning i can count on seeing blacks and hispanics in places other than minority interest meetings and cultural studies classes)
preferably stay in nys (finanicial purposes.)

heres narrowing down my school list:

Syracuse
Columbia
SUNY Buffalo/Albany/Binghamton
Howard
UNC (still dont know if i wanna go that far nemore, but still keepin it in mind)

damn! i dont know what to do! im trying to make it work. why am i buggin out?
.................................................. .................................................. .........

jus talked to moms, she's tellin me to chill out, that it is my life and whatever i decide, do the damn thang.


edited it so that it would shrink the text box

[nikki1920]

I concur. I went to UNC for three years and LOVED it. There is a nice size black population (NC Central is down the street), and we have a great Af Am studies department. Great college environment, big Greek environment, lots of opps to get involved in campus and community.

I am so determined to get back there one day (Left due to pregnancy) I would love to get an advanced degree from there..PM me if you have any questions!! NOWorNEVER, go back!!! And take me with you.. lol

[darling1]

Since you have a full scholarship, I would really caution you about leaving your school. The last thing you should have to concern yourself with is money. Transfer students have a more difficult time receiving full scholarships particularly at competitive institutions.

Something else to consider is whether or not the school you are looking to transfer to is a research institution. The competition level can be far more difficult and if you are not a science/technology major, you may not receive a quality education relative to your major. In addition, your gpa has to be TOP NOTCH for you to receive the best chance at financial aid, scholarships etc.

I think CT4 said this, but you have to narrow down your list. Your list looks like someone who is applying for school for the first time. If you know what you plan on majoring in, then apply to schools who are the leaders in those programs. At this point finishing your degree should be the primary concern, IMHO.

Albany and Binghamton have traditionally been the best SUNY schools. Consider the weather and travel when you look at these schools. Upstate tends to get blanketed with snow from October to April/May.

I went to Penn State. Great Campus (University Park), however the university is the town, unless times have changed. When the semester is over there is NOTHING TO DO.

I suggest you look at the MD/DC/VA area and see what schools fit what you want. At least you can be close to a major city DC where there is a great deal to do!

I am preferential to www.umd.edu . You wil receive a TOP NOTCH education in most majors. You can also check to see if your credits will transfer through the Transfer Credit Center. Most of the programs are TOP 25. We have a VERY ACTIVE SPORTS DEPARTMENT. NCAA Division I football - Gator Bowl winner--yippee, basketball and I think lacrosse. Large, beautiful campus. Lots of 'folks'. Lots of activities, Very competitive, can be overwhelming. If you are particularly interested in education, you will be at a great school. Being that you are close to DC and VA if you want to teach, you will have little trouble finding a job. DC needs teachers and there are programs that allow you to teach and receive your certification at the same time.

UNC is also a great school so look into that as well.

I must really encourage you to narrow that list down.

Good Luck and if you have questions about maryland or transferring in general, e-mail me. When I transferred, I did it with God's grace. I had no familial support so a lot of things for me were trial and error. Be sure this is what you want!!!

Originally posted by tld221
here's narrowing down my "requirement list"

reputable name
new atmospere, but still close to a big city
close student body
visible minority population (meaning i can count on seeing blacks and hispanics in places other than minority interest meetings and cultural studies classes)
preferably stay in nys (finanicial purposes.)

heres narrowing down my school list:

Syracuse
Columbia
SUNY Buffalo/Albany/Binghamton
Howard
UNC (still dont know if i wanna go that far nemore, but still keepin it in mind)

damn! i dont know what to do! im trying to make it work. why am i buggin out?
.................................................. .................................................. .........

jus talked to moms, she's tellin me to chill out, that it is my life and whatever i decide, do the damn thang.


edited it so that it would shrink the text box