Thursday, May 1, 2008
Why I'm Leaving SMU
I haven't told many people, but I have applied to transfer to UT Austin for sophomore year. When I chose SMU, it was the perfect fit for me. I chose SMU because I wanted to make it big in Dallas. I wanted to go to college to make connections, meet important people and get a head start on the corporate ladder.
For this, SMU is a very good school. But I soon realized how shallow my dreams were. Six months ago, I wanted to be a multi-billionaire, and I was completely convinced that I would be. I knew that SMU was the perfect school to start the rest of my life.
I can't say what exactly it was that changed in me, but I feel like I had a revelation of sorts. I no longer wanted to be a billionaire. I wanted college to be about making real friends, not just business connections, and I wanted more than SMU offered.
While that is the main reason I decided to transfer, a couple other things surfaced as well. For almost $40,000, I honestly don't believe that SMU lives up to the academic standard I was hoping for. Also, I have never been a party animal, so the greek life was pretty unappealing. Finally, I spent 14 years of my life in Austin, and I miss the laid back and friendly city. As much as people try to deny it, SMU is not a model for diversity. While there may be a few ethnically diverse people, most everyone comes from a similar background.
I will admit, I have made some very good friends here. But they too talk about transferring, and for the same reasons as me. Most everyone I talk to that considers transferring has mentioned many of the same reasons as me.
I haven't been accepted yet, I'll find out at the end of May.
Wish me luck.
For this, SMU is a very good school. But I soon realized how shallow my dreams were. Six months ago, I wanted to be a multi-billionaire, and I was completely convinced that I would be. I knew that SMU was the perfect school to start the rest of my life.
I can't say what exactly it was that changed in me, but I feel like I had a revelation of sorts. I no longer wanted to be a billionaire. I wanted college to be about making real friends, not just business connections, and I wanted more than SMU offered.
While that is the main reason I decided to transfer, a couple other things surfaced as well. For almost $40,000, I honestly don't believe that SMU lives up to the academic standard I was hoping for. Also, I have never been a party animal, so the greek life was pretty unappealing. Finally, I spent 14 years of my life in Austin, and I miss the laid back and friendly city. As much as people try to deny it, SMU is not a model for diversity. While there may be a few ethnically diverse people, most everyone comes from a similar background.
I will admit, I have made some very good friends here. But they too talk about transferring, and for the same reasons as me. Most everyone I talk to that considers transferring has mentioned many of the same reasons as me.
I haven't been accepted yet, I'll find out at the end of May.
Wish me luck.
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