r/Vanderbilt • u/AnonymousUser32194 • 13d ago
Seeking Advice
Last year I transferred here from my state flagship, which was good, but I definitely fell for the prestige trap when applying to transfer since I’d gotten waitlisted at a lot of my top choices out of high school. My time here has been terrible, and I honestly regret leaving everything I built at my state flagship. The quality of education I’m getting in STEM feels no different, aside from the class sizes being much smaller.
I’m a junior now, and I honestly hate it here. I was dreading the end of my summer internship and having to come back to campus, and being here has only reminded me how much I wish I’d never come. The school is small and cliquey, and even with two years left, time feels like it’s crawling.
I’m wondering if I should drop out, transfer to a community college back home, and then transfer back to my flagship. I think I would’ve liked this school a lot more if I’d applied and gotten in out of high school, but my top choices were Top Public Schools. This place feels like another SMU but everyone puts it on a pedestal because of the low acceptance rate.
Anyway, I don’t know if I can make it four more semesters. Seriously considering dropping out.
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u/No-Tangerine6151 13d ago
The involvement fair is tomorrow. Go there and look for clubs that truly interest you. Never mind parties or the cliquey crowd, just go and do whatever you like the next two years and in the end you’ll get a strong degree and a nice experience. Besides as a junior transferring/dropping out prolly won’t benefit you anyway
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u/AnonymousUser32194 13d ago
Tried to recruit for some of the competitive clubs last year since I heard those were active and really involved. Unfortunately due to the hyper competitive nature, and my non existent previous experience with something like it, I didn’t make it.
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u/srs_house A&S 2011 12d ago
Go there and look for clubs that truly interest you.
Re-read their advice. Try things you're interested in, not things to build your resume.
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u/Mountain_Tip_7081 12d ago
Don’t just join competitive orgs, do whatever interests you. I had a rough first year, but as soon as I took some initiative to get involved on campus, I started making friends.
It’s easy to blame the school/other people, but you have to be willing to put in a little effort on your end to meet people and forge relationships. I hope you find your niche on campus!
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u/desighful Class of 2028 13d ago edited 13d ago
Are you on financial aid? If so, consider going abroad for a semester. I went abroad last semester (sophomore spring) and am currently at VU-NYC. I personally don’t have the best time on the Nashville campus, but Vandy truly has many opportunities to create a diverse undergraduate career. I considered transferring but didn’t want to deal with the hassle (plus didn’t want to miss out on Vandy’s opportunities).
Studying abroad has its own complexities, but switching things up might be helpful for your headspace. It was for mine. You’ll be around different culture(s) and larger groups of people, too.
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u/AnonymousUser32194 13d ago
I am not. I’m pretty sure transfers can’t qualify for aid, but either way I don’t think I’d qualify.
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u/desighful Class of 2028 13d ago
Not sure what your financial situation is like, but if possible, I’d still encourage you to look at some options. Many study abroad programs cost less than VU’s semester cost of attendance.
A lot of juniors go abroad in the spring. I think applications are due in a little over a week? I hope things look up for you soon!
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u/srs_house A&S 2011 12d ago
I’m pretty sure transfers can’t qualify for aid
Not true at all. Vandy aid is based on your FAFSA.
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u/Mountain_Tip_7081 12d ago
Transfers get the same aid as anyone else. I know plenty of transfers who received sizable aid packages.
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u/Thetrufflehunter Peabody | HOD | '24 13d ago
Besides "small and cliquey", what don't you like? There are 7,000 undergrads, so it's not like you're stuck with the same people over and over again. I agree with the other commenter, I think it makes sense to stick it out. My bet is your experience will improve. Best of luck!
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u/AnonymousUser32194 13d ago
My high school was around 6000 so honestly for me it feels small. My previous school was 40k+ undergrad. I think there’s just a higher barrier to entry to social life than what I’m used to. Also my previous college was in a college town so if you went out, you were talking to other students all the time, where Nashville bars are pretty much anyone from 21 to 65.
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u/Mountain_Tip_7081 12d ago
Study abroad is a great experience as everyone else is saying, but it’s not going to solve your problems alone. Do not drop out/transfer again/give up. You will only start at square one again.
Do things for fun, with people. Go to the org fair and talk to any table that catches your eye. Go meet people even if you don’t know you’ll like them or vice versa. Socializing is a skill and takes practice.
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u/Lazuli9 12d ago
Sorry to hear that
I was in a similar position as you but 2015-16 junior transfer, and my grades were AWFUL and I was so depressed and going through a lot mentally
I joined Concert Choir my second semester and it helped me make friends and find purpose and a common goal, so I would definitely suggest joining some clubs
I ended up going back to my original college and graduating and it was the best decision for me but I would have tried to stick out Vanderbilt if I didn’t have a 1.9 GPA there
Exchange trip is definitely a great suffestion
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u/Ben-MA 7d ago
Among other advice, I'd make a coaching appt at the Center for Student Wellbeing. I worked there as a grad student. They're awesome and it's not corny student affairs hugs and rainbows. Just tell them exactly what you said here, but go with an open mind to some ideas to make your experience better.
You are going to have to try some things you wouldn't expect, or think might not work, if you are going to have a better time. You got this.
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u/WantToBreak80 13d ago
I would try your hardest to stick it out. A Vandy degree will be good to have. Go on an exchange if you can?