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- Jul 19, 2011
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So I had a very hard time my freshman year (as many have). I went to school far from home, but flew back often to be with my family because of an illness in the household, and got a 3.0 my first semester because I couldn't focus, felt extremely depressed and overwhelmed, etc. etc.
I transferred my 2nd semester to be slightly closer to home, but also to kind of take a deep breath and figure out what I wanted to do away from a place I associated with being overwhelmed. Things came very much into perspective for me, I was able to focus on my studies (3.8 that semester), and figure out my goals. This is when I realized I actually did want to be a doctor, as I had lost confidence for it after my first semester.
I transferred my sophomore year (yes, 3rd school in 3 semesters) because I wanted to start completely fresh, be more independent as I was further from home, and work towards my goal with a clean slate (though it all follows you, anyway). This was also my dream school that I didn't get into the first time around. It was the best decision of my life- this year has been the happiest I've ever been- I've made amazing friends, found a sense of self and confidence, worked extremely hard, etc.
So long story short, I did transfer twice in one year. This of course stands out, and I know it might reflect weakness and uncertainty in an applicant. I was wondering how often questions about transferring come up in an interview? I know that ultimately my struggles and failures led to my growth which is a very positive thing in my eyes, but I find it hard to talk about the "why's", as they are because of my weaknesses at the time. I also don't want to get into personal reasons with my family because I don't want to come off as though I'm seeking pity, though it does tie into a low 1st semester GPA. I'm nervous about not being able to come off as a strong person because of my unstable freshman year.
Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I guess I just feel as though this is an unusual situation and I'm not sure how it's looked at by schools (looked down upon maybe?), and I'm just a bit of a nervous Nancy to the idea of having to explain it eloquently.
Thanks everyone!
I transferred my 2nd semester to be slightly closer to home, but also to kind of take a deep breath and figure out what I wanted to do away from a place I associated with being overwhelmed. Things came very much into perspective for me, I was able to focus on my studies (3.8 that semester), and figure out my goals. This is when I realized I actually did want to be a doctor, as I had lost confidence for it after my first semester.
I transferred my sophomore year (yes, 3rd school in 3 semesters) because I wanted to start completely fresh, be more independent as I was further from home, and work towards my goal with a clean slate (though it all follows you, anyway). This was also my dream school that I didn't get into the first time around. It was the best decision of my life- this year has been the happiest I've ever been- I've made amazing friends, found a sense of self and confidence, worked extremely hard, etc.
So long story short, I did transfer twice in one year. This of course stands out, and I know it might reflect weakness and uncertainty in an applicant. I was wondering how often questions about transferring come up in an interview? I know that ultimately my struggles and failures led to my growth which is a very positive thing in my eyes, but I find it hard to talk about the "why's", as they are because of my weaknesses at the time. I also don't want to get into personal reasons with my family because I don't want to come off as though I'm seeking pity, though it does tie into a low 1st semester GPA. I'm nervous about not being able to come off as a strong person because of my unstable freshman year.
Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, I guess I just feel as though this is an unusual situation and I'm not sure how it's looked at by schools (looked down upon maybe?), and I'm just a bit of a nervous Nancy to the idea of having to explain it eloquently.
Thanks everyone!