Hello, this is my first ever blog post and I would like to use it to describe what it's like to be a transfer student here at SUNY Cortland. While it is exciting to be in a new environment and meeting new people, it can be frustrating to be a transfer student.
While it is a priceless feeling to be out of my former school, there are many instances where transfer students get the short end of the stick. Even as early as the application process, the transfer student is at a disadvantage. Despite having already completed at least a year of college, transfer students have their applications viewed after the incoming freshman class. With this disadvantage it becomes increasingly more difficult to even earn acceptance.
The next leg of the transfer process is orientation, which at many schools comes after freshman orientation. This means that the transfer students are left to fight over the “bottom of the barrel” classes. This becomes increasingly difficult when the new students need specific courses because many of their credits did not transfer from their previous school.
On a more personal level I can attest to the fact that a lot of effort is put into helping transfers become comfortable in their new surroundings. Since I am a transfer student I was placed in a residence hall with other transfers as well as freshmen. It doesn’t really bother me that the building itself is practically falling apart. The part that does bother me is that all of the resident in my hall are being forced to move out in the spring 2010 semester. So despite going to a new school and having to meet new friends and get settled in to a new environment, we will yet again have to move into a new hall and a new redo the whole process. I understand that the priority should go to the returning students but there must be a better way of going about the transfer process.
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Hey Jon.. I can definitely see where you're coming from. I just transfered here myself so I understand some of the points you made. Although I wasn't placed on an all transfer floor, I heard about what they're doing with your dorm and it sucks. Hopefully everything works out
ReplyDeleteMy room mate is a transfer student as well. He is having some of the same problems you guys are. He has gotten really involved with working at the bookstore and working with the football team. That has helped him adjust and meet some new friends. Just keep pushing through and I'm sure you guys will be alright.
ReplyDeleteWhat's up Jon...I transferred in last year as a sophmore. I completely understand where you're coming from. I got bottom of the barrel classes along with a lame orientation. Cortland is really easy going though and people are nice. You will find your group of friends pretty quick and start loving it soon enough. You just have to be patient and be easy going. Good Luck
ReplyDeleteHey Jon. I was a transfer last year for Fall 2008. I came in with three years of college experience under my belt already, so I guess you cold of called me a Super Junior, due to my my credits. It was the same for me, it was nice to be at a new college and everything, but you just had to get back in the swing of things. It's weird, you feel like a Freshman again because it is a new college but obviously we are not.
ReplyDeleteTransfer credits were the biggest upset for me. I had to fight for a few classes because the school was not going to except them. Then some of my classes didn't receive full credit or they down graded to a beginner or intro class, that really pissed me off. It's just makes me think that Cortland thinks its to good and they look down upon other colleges.
For dorming, I was placed in a suit with one other transfer and an RA. My actual roommate was awesome but my other suite mate, the RA, I didn't care for him. He was a good RA but not a good roommate at all. He was loud, obnoxious, and lived basically in every room. His stuff was always all over the place which annoyed the crap out of me.
My second year here though is going much better. I am actually living off campus. It was nice to pick my own roommates and where i actually wanted to live. well hope everything is getting better for you Jon. Good luck with everything.
I transferred in the fall of 2008, after more than 4 years of school at a few other places. It was quite a transition for me to, but I acclimated quickly and have had a blast in Cortland. Good luck with everything!
ReplyDeleteThis is a nice piece of information. I am bookmarking this page for future reference.
ReplyDeleteUniversity Transfer Credits