Key takeaways:
- You should change colleges if your current school doesn’t offer your desired major, you are finding it too hard to afford, or if you aren’t getting what you need inside the classroom or as a “college experience” as a whole.
- You shouldn’t transfer to a new college if you only have a bad roommate or professor.
- Before you decide to switch schools, consider your academic and career goals as well as your reasons for wanting to transfer.
It can absolutely be disappointing to get to your new college only to discover it’s not for you. Students often choose to transfer schools if their current institution doesn’t offer their major, isn’t challenging them academically, or they simply don’t enjoy the campus. Answering the question “Should I change colleges?” shouldn’t be solved overnight. Consider these common reasons students transfer – and situations where you shouldn’t change schools – to help you decide.
Should I change colleges?
Whether you transfer colleges is completely up to you. It’s not a decision that should be taken lightly or too quickly. Understanding the reasons behind your desire to transfer can help you make the choice.
Before you decide to transfer, ask yourself these questions:
- Have I given my college a fair chance?
- What do I dislike (or like) about my present college?
- Do the classes and professors meet my expectations?
- Will my financial aid transfer and other scholarships transfer, or will I lose any aid in the transfer?
- Why do I want to transfer?
- How will a new school meet my needs in ways my current college doesn’t?
Reasons to transfer schools
Students often transfer to a new college if they want to change their major, they’re not challenged in the classroom, or they’re simply not enjoying their time on campus.
1. You want to change your major
Occasionally, students start their major courses and decide that their chosen area of study isn’t for them. Other times, they discover a brand new field they hadn’t considered before. For many of these students, they can simply change their major at their current school.
However, for others who switch majors, their current school might not offer the new area of study, the program is lackluster compared to other colleges, or it required a separate application during their first year. In these cases, the student needs to or stands to benefit from transferring to a new college.
2. You aren’t engaged in the classroom or out
Do you:
- Avoid social activities and events on campus as they don’t fit your needs or interests?
- Feel like the courses are easy and not challenging you?
- Find yourself bored more often than not?
College is a time for learning, networking, and gaining lifelong friends. If you’re not reaping these benefits and challenging yourself, you’re not fully benefiting from the experience. You’ll want to find a school that keeps you engaged and moving forward.
3. You feel disappointed with your college experience
Even with college tours and plenty of research, students can choose the wrong “one.” You might move to campus and discover it’s nothing like the brochures or simply find it’s not what you need from your college experience.
As one student put it:
“I got to school and it just wasn’t the home that I thought it was going to be…. I just really struggled being there.”
4. Other reasons to transfer
There could be other reasons you want to transfer colleges, including:
- The classes are too hard. If your grades are falling behind, it might not be the ideal school for you. Work with tutors and talk to your college advisor before transferring, however.
- Your financial aid won’t cover the cost of tuition. If your financial aid doesn’t cover as much as it did the previous year, you may have to switch schools. Talk to your current financial aid department to review your options.
- You’re transferring from a 2-year college to a 4-year college. If you’ve already earned your associate’s degree at a community college and want to earn a bachelor’s degree, a transfer is usually necessary. There are some community colleges that offer bachelor’s.
Personal responsibilities, emergencies, and other factors can also play into your decision to transfer.
Reasons not to transfer
Short-term problems can taint our view of reality. These three examples may impact your college experiences now, but they’re often not enough reason to transfer.
1. You’re not getting along with your roommate
Almost every college student has either had a nightmare scenario with a roommate or knows someone who has. An issue with a single roommate isn’t cause to leave the school altogether.
Talk to your RA and housing office. You might just have to request a room change or wait for the semester to finish. If you ever feel unsafe, tell an authority figure at your school immediately.
2. You’re homesick
Separation from our family and high school friends can be difficult, especially at first. However, it usually goes away with time and it’s necessary to be able to stand on your own two feet.
If you’re struggling with homesickness, try calling your family more often, scheduling video calls, or visiting home over the weekend. Getting more engaged with campus activities can help relieve any feelings of loneliness.
3. You have an issue with a professor
Just like roommates, you don’t want to leave an entire school because of one or two professors. Having issues with instructors can happen anywhere and transferring is not a guarantee you’re going to love all of your teachers (and that they’re going to love you). Knowing how to navigate these more difficult relationships also gives you skills you need in the working world.
So, should you transfer colleges? In the end, the decision is up to you. You’ll need to consider your education goals, career dreams, and reasons for transferring to help you make the best choice for you. If you’re not sure, talk to trusted adults and your academic advisor to go over your options and learn how to transfer to your new college.
Finding the right school whether you’re going to college for the first time or transferring is essential. College Match from College Raptor can do the heavy lifting for you! Check it out for free right here.
