Survival Guide 2005: Advice for the Transfer Student
Submitted by EditorialStaff on Sun, 08/28/2005 - 03:44.
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Transfer. Sometimes this student can be forgotten in the sea of activities and pamphlets targeted towards freshman. However, Stony Brook University attracts many transfer students, who often are forgotten in the rush to welcome freshman who are new to the college process. Everyone assumes that as a transfer, you’re already familiar with the college process, however there are things that a transfer student at Stony Brook University should know.
The most important thing I learned as a transfer student is that not all universities are the same. I repeat: NOT ALL UNIVERSITIES ARE THE SAME. This knowledge is extremely valuable in choosing classes. The school I was previously attending was not strong in the sciences (I should mention it was a SUNY institution, so naturally I would assume there would be similarities between the two) so I decided at Stony Brook, I would take a whole semester of just science and math classes. Big mistake! Do not do this, as Stony Brook is a highly regarded school of the sciences, and you will die if you load up on all science and math classes. Flesh out your schedule. Take classes that differ from one another. A science here, an English lit there. Really get a feel for where your personal strengths at Stony Brook are and where your weaknesses lay. You may have been strong in chemistry at So-and-So University, but it could wind up being the class you fail at Stony Brook. Never assume that the student body at one school is akin to another. It’s a big mistake. The student body at Stony Brook is incredibly diverse, and I suggest you take advantage of that and dive into all the groups on campus that interest you, be it the Independent, the Stony Brook Press (best publications on campus!!), the dance team, or any other activity that catches your interest. Chances are you’ll find people there that suit your personality. The school I previously attended had 92% of its students living on-campus. Stony Brook has approximately a 50-50 ratio of residents to commuters, so that’s a big change in the demographic between schools, just as an example. Not to mention the fact that Stony Brook will is in the shadow of one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with people all different regions attending, which can provide a stark difference between this campus and other campuses where the student body might be more homogenous. And if you don’t sense any difference, just know that there are plenty of people around every corner. If you couldn’t find your niche at your old school, don’t be discouraged when you begin your adventure at Stony Brook. I guarantee you will find at least one or two people you can be completely happy hanging around. The biggest mistake a transfer student will make is in assuming s/he knows everything there is to know about college already and not ask questions. POLICIES DIFFER BETWEEN SCHOOLS, EVEN IN THE SUNY SYSTEM!! This is vital to your college life!! Ask questions and find out what the policies are concerning the things that are important to your college education. A mistake can potentially cost you an extra year at Stony Brook. Please please please listen to this advice most over anything. You’ll be glad you did. Ask questions about transfer credits and DEC’s (your school might have a different name for them like “core curriculum,” “required classes,” “pre-req’s,” or “gen-ed’s”), and if they match Stony Brooks’ own policy. This is of the utmost importance. You may think you have completed a DEC only to find out the second semester of your senior year that you haven’t. It’s worth it to bug someone for a half hour and have peace of mind. All the numbers and offices and names that will help you with this are listed in the guide for your easy reference. For some transfers, living on campus might be a new experience. For that you should check out the sections on dorming and residence life. There will be specific dorm and quad reviews, as well as reviews on the dining areas located around campus. As a transfer, though you may think not, there is an adjustment period to your new school. Try to get out there, join things, ask questions, and make sure you know where you stand with the school. And remember, the best thing about being a transfer is that you get a chance to re-do and correct the mistakes, if any, from your previous school. And that, my friends, is the advantage you have over freshman AND returning students. So hold your head high and know that you got that elusive 2nd chance and a fresh new GPA. The Transfer Office at Stony Brook Office oversees all matters pertaining to transfer students, including transfer of credits from other institutions, advising geared to the transfer student, and more. They are located in the Administration Building, Room 134, Tel. 632-7028, http://www.sunysb.edu/transfer. |
