Navigating Parental Expectations and Transfer Paths: My College Journey
Embarking on my higher education journey has been a complex experience shaped by both personal aspirations and family opinions. Coming to the United States five years ago, I started high school with no prior knowledge of English, yet managed to graduate with a GPA of 3.3 and an SAT score of 1300. Looking back, I realize that my college application strategy during senior year was less than ideal. I only applied to two institutions: Saint Peter’s University, which I didn’t take seriously at the time, and my top choice, Stevens Institute of Technology.
Despite putting considerable effort into my application to Stevens—including a compelling essay and strong recommendation letters—I was disappointed to receive a rejection. By that point, most other college application deadlines had already passed, leaving me with limited options. Ultimately, I decided to enroll at Saint Peter’s University. My initial plan was to attend community college for a year or two, then transfer to a more competitive institution. However, my parents voiced their concerns, dissuading me from this approach.
Now, I am starting at Saint Peter’s with the plan to work diligently and transfer to Stevens later on. This experience prompts an important question: How does transferring from a four-year university compare academically and logistically to transferring from a community college?
Many students find that transferring from a university can be more challenging due to differences in credit transfer policies, GPA requirements, and the competitiveness of acceptance at the target school. However, with proper planning and dedication, transferring from a university to another can be a manageable and rewarding pathway.
Ultimately, my story highlights the importance of realigning expectations, making strategic choices, and staying focused on long-term goals. Despite obstacles, perseverance and clarity of purpose can open doors to the college experience I aspire to achieve.