Today’s post is by campus correspondent Lucille Jenneman. Find out how you can become a ULS campus correspondent, too!
When you leave for college you are filled with hopes, dreams, and expectations. Sometimes your expectations are met. That’s great! Oftentimes, you feel like your experiences are falling short.
Whether it’s due to a problematic roommate (or two), the academic environment or just the size of the school, you may wonder what you should be doing and whether or not you’re at the right school.
Why I Decided to Transfer
I started out the year going to Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. It didn’t take me long to realize it wasn’t the school for me.
I was living with a party-girl roommate who liked to come back to the dorm and turn on the lights; or go out with friends until late, come back and turn on the television while doing homework at one A.M.
The school was much bigger than anything I was used to (I attended a high school of less than 1,000 students). I called my parents and we discussed my options.
We talked it over for two weeks before making the final decision that I would come home and go to Saint Louis Community College – Florissant Valley. I withdrew from all of my classes before it could harm my G.P.A. and we managed to get some tuition money refunded.
Things to Consider About Your College
Here is my advice to you if you find yourself in a similar situation:
First, make a list of all the things you don’t like about the college.
Second, list the things you do like about the college.
Third, compare the two lists and see whether the good outweighs the bad or vice versa.
Fourth, above and beyond the rational, how do you feel at your school? Ask yourself “Is this the place where I can truly reach my full potential?”
Questions to Ask
If you conclude that you need to change, then you have several questions to ask and answer. Do you want to finish out the semester?
Do you want to transfer to a different school? Do you want to take some time off from college? Do you want to try out community college? Can you financially afford to change schools?
You should consider all these factors before you make your final decision. It’s a big step to take, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time to think it over. If your parents are helping you pay for school, make sure you discuss the situation with them as well.
If you’re wondering whether you should switch colleges, good luck as you make this decision!
Lucille Jenneman is a college freshman going to Saint Louis Community College – Florissant Valley. She is pursuing a General Transfer Studies degree so that she can transfer to UMSL and get her Bachelor of Social Work. She wants to eventually become a Family Preservation Caseworker for CFS (Child Family Services).