For those of you who don’t know, transferring is quite the process. My thirst for change began a year ago today. I went to breakfast one morning, and when I arrived back in my dorm, I said to myself, “I need to move.” It was as simple as that.
But before I continue, I need to give you some of my back story. I graduated high school (Go ’Neers!) in June 2011. Instead of going to university right away, I decided to move to Germany. Yes, you read that correctly. I moved to Munich, Germany, by myself, and I stayed there for one year. It was the most extraordinary experience. I took classes, improved my German, travelled Europe, and made friends along the way. If I could do it again, I would. Sadly though, my adventure came to an end in July 2012, and I began my freshman year at St. Lawrence University that Fall.
Let me set the scene: it’s the beginning of my sophomore year, the North Country is decorated with fallen colored leaves… and I come home from breakfast and decide I need to gtfo. You’re probably thinking, “Did you have something sour for breakfast?” and maybe I did, but that’s besides the point. I’m a firm believer that you are the happiness you see in your life. So here I am, possibly after having a sour breakfast, and I realize I am no longer happy at St. Lawrence. (Cue trumpets) Let the transfer process begin!
Remember the first-year college application process? It’s like buying jeans: you go to a bunch a schools and see which one is the best fit. Then, it’s like applying for a credit card: you fill out forms, get a background check, and wait for approval (aka acceptance letters). Once you’re accepted, it’s smooth sailing from there. You can gloat to your friends that have yet to be accepted, not to mention you feel like such a grown-up (Oh, look at me. I’m going to be a college girl!). Before you know it, you’re moving into your dorm and going out with your Freshman floor to parties and dining hall meals. I hope I just made Upperclass-HCBU readers nostalgic.
The transfer process is similar in certain ways. You still have to try on a million pairs of jeans before picking the ones you want, and you still have to apply for a credit card. But once you’re accepted, two words prevent smooth sailing: transferring credits. It’s more tedious than anything. You have to retrieve all syllabi from every college course you’ve taken, and get your current school to sign a ton of forms confirming you aren’t a convict. Then there’s lots of phone calls from you to the applied schools, and well as your current school, making sure paperwork is being filed and received before the deadline. Just when you think you’re finished, you now have the burden of waiting. The fate of your future is in the hands of admissions board members, and all you can do it wait. I don’t care how blessed you are, there’s no way you’re too blessed to be stressed.
My applications were due in March. In April, I received my first acceptance letter, and in May, I enrolled at Boston University.
And so begins my story as a BU Transfer student. Be sure the check out my next entry of The Transfer Diaries for more!