Big change required

Beren39

So here's my problem, sorry about the wall of text:

I attend a small, local university (Canada btw) specialized in environmental science, and am currently in the second year of an Honours Science degree with specialization in Biology. I came out of high school with a stellar academic record (3.8 GPA) and quite a few athletic and community achievements under my belt, giving me a generous number of academic and financial offers from a wide range of universities. I had my heart set on Queen's (Kingston, Ontario if you've never heard of it) and was set to accept admission there when I was convinced/somewhat brow-beaten by my father into staying home and attending this local institution in order to save money (plus I don't think he or my mother wanted me to leave). I've since severely (and I mean extremely bitter) regretted this decision, and it has had a resounding toll on both my academics and relationship with my parents. I'm still in the first semester of my second year and my grades have been less then desirable (B's and C's) due to what I can only describe as a nihilistic "hollow" feeling due to a general lack of motivation. I know it's easy to think "Oh sulking over not getting to attend your place of preference is no excuse, blah blah blah" but it goes so beyond that. I wanted that new experience, the opportunities of attending a prestigious school, I wanted to get away and try to establish at least modicum of independence from my parents, and I'm afraid I've missed one of the major experience's of my lifetime. This gnawing feeling that has followed me all this time has finally come to a head and I feel I have to transfer and achieve a change of scenery. I'm only 19, so I feel it is possible for me to start anew, the only problem is transferring. As I said, I was given some generous offers of admission, but after 1 and a half years of mediocrity, I don't know how I may transfer to Queens from here. Instead I've contemplated starting completely from scratch, but I'm unsure as to how possible that is. Can I apply using my old high school transcript, is it possible to salvage my credits? Any advice would be appreciated, my general aim is to eventually attend medical school but I need to lift myself out of this slump, and soon.

LinkWorshiper

LOLOL, I have a really good friend who went to Queens and I visited her up there once: it was nice. Anyway, definitely, definitely sounds like you need to get out there because your education is something you shouldn't sell yourself short on. (One life, once shot, right?) It sounds like your parents are holding your down, and though they are probably just loathe to let you move away, it's your life not theirs!!

Anyway, to the point. *ahem* Regarding credits, you'll have to check with Queens to see if any of your credits from your current school will transfer over and what their policies about the whole process are. If they do, then you might be able to start a bit further down into their program, but if not, then you'll have to start over. I haven't transferred schools personally, but I do know a lot of people who have and are just fine. Good luck!!

i n c u b u s

Transfering schools is a process that depends on how the university handles it. Most of the time they'll average any and all of your scores from your previous schools to determine your transfering GPA but in your case you'd have to check with them since you've only gone to 1 college from high school. Another big thing is whether or not your credits will transfer which can be a real pain in the ass especially if you've taken the time and money to already pass the class. This also includes the grade, some universities will not accept credits even though they are transferable just because the grade you got in the class is not adequate. Like I said you really need to call up the school or even schedule a visit with an admissions assistant to see what your options are. Personally I'd actually take the time to go visit them personally because you learn a lot more that way and you show that your taking initiative in your education. Prior to your visit be sure to write down everything you would possibly need to know so you won't forget and make sure your squared away with whatever they tell you you need to do. You should be fine considering you haven't failed any classes and your HS grades were so awesome.

Beren39

I've done some digging and found that the Biology department will not accept transfers that do not meet a minimum 80% (A) average. As I stated before, I definitely fell into almost a depressive slump during my last year, so I do not meet this standard. This may sound like a rash decision, but I really need a change of scenery, is it possible (even with my history) to apply as if from high school without my post-secondary record trailing me? (Provided I start from scratch as a new student of course).