Should I leave college to get my life in order?

Question

I am a freshman at a private university in Texas. I have gotten to the point where I want to transfer and/ or take a break. I chose the school due to its strong program in my major. I am changing my major now, so it seems there isn't much of a point for me to be at this school. I know college is a great opportunity to meet all kinds of different people...but I feel I am exposed to the same "snotty, ungrateful, and rude" kid every moment on campus. My school is filled with students who come from extremely wealthy families. I don't mind being surrounded by wealthy people, as I could be considered such. I just wish my school was more diverse.
I know a lot of kids get depressed leaving home and going to college. I have had past history with depression, but it has reached a record high in severity. I have also been diagnosed with OCD... it is truly ruling my life. It has gotten to the point where I won't let myself go to sleep until 5 am, because I am obsessed with cleaning... it's bad! I am now away from my doctors who can help me. It is so hard fro me to function. I need help, not class.
I am a very motivated person who deeply values and education; however, I think I would not be doing myself any good staying here.
I want to change my major to philosophy to prepare for Law School.
Many people fear that they wouldn't go back to college after leaving... I WOULD!... I just need to get well and be able to focus again.

So... I guess what I am asking has a two parts:
1. Should I
a. stay
b. transfer
c. take a break (from this point in semester through January, or until next May- just until I am well)

2. If you think I should pick a new school....which one would you suggest? Here are some things to help out:

It can be anywhere in country, I prefer urban!!
Public or Private
Great Philosophy and art program and high acceptance rate into law school
Yes to Greek life!
I had not the best scores on tests: 1540 SAT, 21 ACT, 3.5 GPA---But I would like to attend a selective school. I had a lot of extracurriculars in high school. I know I couldn't get into Yale with these grades, but I just want to attend the most academically prestigious school possible.

THANKS SO MUCH!!!

Answer 1

Wow, well it sounds like you already know your answer. But I'm confused. You're a freshman and it's October. You've been in school for less than two months?



Here's my suggestion: Visit your school doc about the OCD and find out your immediate options for help. IF you can get it under control, get into counseling and finish up your year through May by taking only general education coursework that you are certain will transfer. If you CANNOT get it under control, finish out the current semester as best you can, then go home and take care of your health (if you cannot finish out the semester, your family has just flushed a ton of money down the toilet). Either way, take a break. And YES, leave that school if it doesn't suit your needs.



If you get restless during your break, I'd strongly suggest taking a language course at your local community college and do some volunteering. Or travel and study a language. Any future university will appreciate that you did some constructive things during your break.



As for a school, I'd suggest Syracuse University except that it doesn't fulfill your urban requirement. They have a great art program and a law school, too...so I'm assuming philosophy there is strong. They have Greek life, too, and prestige. Otherwise, how about a school in Boston? Fabulous museums, urban, great metro line, easily accessible to several Ivies for campus visits, etc. Good luck.

Answer 2

Normally I would never suggest that a person take time away from school because, as you said, people who leave school often never go back.



But in your case, I'm making an exception. Most people who want to leave school do so either because they lack direction or because they run out of money. You, however, don't have either of those problems. My advice is to take some time off, and take as much as you need. You will probably either have to go back home or find new doctors where you are, but either way you know you have to get it all under control.



As for choosing a school, I'm useless there. I'm not even in the USA.

Answer 3

would to boot stay in college and get that degree, it somewhat is the only way you may desire to ever advance into an officer if and while the draft is re-activated. in case you heavily desire to assist kill human beings for oil or income, theres allways time and a place for that. connect now and you have joined the conflict, you have joined the killing, you have joiined the dying and the ineffective. I repect the Soldier, yet I have not any admire for the soldier that chooses to combat becuse that's a good occupation flow.