You asked:

I’m thinking about transferring to a new school, but I’m so undecided. Any advice? And when do I have to decide?

It’s important to consider what, if anything, you’ll gain by transferring. A program that's more suited to your interests and career goals? Closer to home? In-state tuition? You just made the wrong choice the first time? If you’re really unhappy at your school, that could be good enough reason to choose another in your first couple years. But if you've made it to junior year, transferring might delay your graduation so you should first check if your credits and major will transfer. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Pay attention to course and credit requirements so you know if you're setting yourself back a semester or even a year. Some schools focus less on electives than on core courses in your major, so switching in one direction or the other could be a big change.

• Schools that are not liberal arts often require many more credits to complete a major than you might have acquired. If you're at a liberal arts school and you want to transfer to a school that isn't designated liberal arts or vice versa, watch out. The point of liberal arts education is to have a well-balanced educational background.

• Consider what you're leaving behind if you decide to go. If you've made a lot of friends and connections where you are now, or there are professors who know you and would be willing to help you out or write good recommendations, it could behoove you to stay.

• All schools have different deadlines for transfer applications, so browse Web sites for relevant info. If you really want to get out of your current situation, deadlines may be approaching. If it's not too pressing, most schools allow midyear transfers, so if you aren't quite ready, get your information straight over the summer and start the application process in the fall for the spring semester.

Name: Liz Cruger
School: College of William and Mary
Year: Senior
Major: Psychology and English lit
Her deal: This is Liz’s second year as an R.A. for freshmen. She is also involved in several campus activities, including pep band and the belly dance club.

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