Things change. There, I said it. That wasn’t so difficult. And while it can be a simple statement to make, it is often a difficult idea to grasp, especially when it comes to choosing a university…again!
My First Choice
I graduated high school determined and confident that I would spend the next four years at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. I’m from a small town in North Carolina, making UNCW an ideal college experience in an urban setting, without moving too far from home. After my freshman year I realized, however, that something was missing. Many of the students I graduated high school with also attended UNCW and I began to feel too close to home. I needed a change.
Where Now?
Having been through the college application process before, I knew I needed to gather as much information as possible about the prospective schools I was considering. This time my questions were a little different and more specific. Not to mention, I was now considered a “transfer student.” Knowing how important it was to get a feel for the campus atmosphere, I visited several colleges and universities. I attended transfer information sessions and collected lots of pamphlets, fliers, and business cards until my visitor bags were bursting at the seams! Finally, I sat down with my family and decided to apply to Penn State Abington.
Making My Move
Penn State Abington was a sure fit. Having relatives in Philadelphia, I lived in the city and commuted to campus daily. While the process of transferring credits inherently seemed confusing, the uncertainty I felt quickly subsided the more I interacted with the Undergraduate Admissions Office. The counselors were keenly aware of the challenges transfer students face and helped me to facilitate a smooth transition.
Once I was enrolled, my academic adviser shared that transfer students experience some of the same adjustment hurdles as first-year students, and therefore persuaded me to join campus clubs and activities. Within just days, I knew my way around the campus and familiar faces were always nearby. Before I knew it, it was time for another change.
University Park: To Go or Not To Go?
Some students choose to finish their four years at a Commonwealth campus such as Abington. While I originally intended to do just that, it became clear that I wanted the University Park experience. I’d finally adjusted to Abington and wasn’t sure if I wanted to make another move! I was afraid I would wander the campus for hours looking for my classrooms and have a difficult time meeting other people. That was hardly the case. My previous experience as a transfer student worked to my advantage. I was comfortable asking questions and approaching advisers because it was that process that led me to Penn State in the first place.
We’re All Penn State
Transfer students form a unique group at Penn State. They have the potential to contribute diversity and individual experience to the student body. As a transfer student, I feel like I’ve had many advantages. Previous college experience and extensive research gave me more direction as a student. Though adjusting has not always been easy, the opportunities a degree from Penn State will lead to in the future are worth the time spent considering a change.
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