Unhappy at College, what to do?

Question

I'm attending a nice, private college in my state, its a short commute away from my home and is a very nice college. Its one of the highest rated in the US, and over 90% of the graduates from there go on to either the gradute school of their choice, or to a job in their field within 6months, all good reasons to stay. But i'm completely miserable there.

Most of my classes are pointless, and have little to no value in the 'real world', and these worthless classes are demanding ones that take up alot of time and energy. Im not learning anything, it seems all i do is lie and make up things on papers, and to top it all off i vehemently disagree with the majority of what is said in some of my key classes. I spend all my time fabricating things for A's, cursing the curriculum, the theories, the constant work..and I'm burnt out, exhausted and just depressed anymore.

I dont know if i can handle three yers of this, or if i'll like what i become if i DO handle it.

Advice would be appreciate

I'm attending a private college in my state, its a short commute away from my home and is a very nice college. Its one of the highest rated in the US, and over 90% of the graduates from there go on to either the gradute school of their choice, or to a job in their field within 6months, all good reasons to stay. But i'm completely miserable there.

Most of my classes are pointless, and have little to no value in the 'real world', and these worthless classes are demanding ones that take up alot of time and energy. Im not learning anything, it seems all i do is lie and make up things on papers, and to top it all off i vehemently disagree with the majority of what is said in some of my key classes. I spend all my time fabricating things for A's, cursing the curriculum, the theories, the constant work and I'm burnt out, exhausted and depressed.
I dont know if i can handle 3 yrs of this, or if i'll like what i become if i DO handle it.

I cant take a break, Id loose my scholarships.
Advice?

Ack, sorry. Im new here and unsure of how this all works. I didnt mean to repeat that whole thing, but a break isnt possible since I'd loose my scholarships.

I dont really know what i want to do, since i had a rough first semester, and came to the realization I had no choice but to switch from my Biology major into Business.

The majority of my classes are filler (music history, thing of the like) and the rest of them are determined to tell me who I am, what I think, and how others should treat me because of who/what I am. Im a type, or a genre, never a person...and it's offensive to me that thats what they teach us. I feel like im being taught to be a sheep, a little mindless peon to follow a 'leader' blindly.

But i have no idea if the other colleges are different, i dont know anyone from Marshall or State (my other options) to tell me if it would be any better there.

Answer 1

I'm guessing because of three years, it is your first time in college? Your first or second semester?

It sounds like, schedule wise, you have a pretty heavy load. After this semester, you may want to consider taking fewer classes. Are you studying something you want to? What I decided to do was to take a light enough schedule to where I just made full-time student status, and left me with some evening time to just relax, or play games. I'm going to a state university, so I'm not sure if it all works the same.

Or, it could even be that this school simply isn't for you. Maybe you could look into another school that may be more to your liking? Even if this school is a very good one, it won't help if you burn out before getting your bachelor. Just a consideration.

Hope this helps?

Answer 2

My advice is to "begin with the end in mind". What do you want to be when you grow up?

College does admittedly have many pointless topics, however, if you can learn these pointless topics and apply them to get A's, then you are preparing yourself to learn and apply topics in the corporate world (or legal, or medical, or whatever....). This is how the majority of suckers make their money and support a nice lifestyle.

However, I have some friends that will only do "what they love" and hope that money comes to them sometime in the future. Many of them are 40 years old and still wondering about how to pay next months mortgage. Maybe they party too much to really become the best at what they love. I know some other folks that never went to college and learned other skills and started their own businesses- setting tiles, general contracting, electricians, etc. these folks are also making a nice living.

Are there really no classes that you like? Usually there must be one or two classes or professors that hold your attention. Take some time to speak with them about your thoughts and see what classes they would recommend. What did your guidance counselers tell you before you left high school? Surely you have some targtet jobs that suit your personality preferences? Are you follwoing that advice or in school because of peer or family pressure?

LAstly you either need to accept the consequences of your choice to go to that college and "grin and bear it" or take action to change your status.

Answer 3

Transfer. Just because a school is a good one, it doesn't mean that it is the place you should be. You should look for a college where YOU will fit in. You may never agree with the views of your profs, but I'm sure you can find a place where yours and your profs match up a bit better. Also, a lot of the reasons you aren't liking school might be people related. you should look for a place where you fit with the rest of the people. Honestly, you spend maybe 20-30 hours a week in class or doing home work. That gives you about 150 to sleep and hang out with people. This is a great time during life. Try and enjoy it.

Answer 4

Most people who stop never go back, I wouldnt say quit! School is work and it pays off in the long run, its that diploma that separates you from the rest of the world. So unless you want to work for McDonalds stay in school. Each and every year more and more jobs go out of the country, so pretty soon all that is going to be left is college degree jobs, or flipping burgers. Belive me when I say I understand about all the BS classes and I dont always agree with what is being preached to me either. Now instead of dropping out and taking a year off or anything else like that simply try a new school, or take different classes (mix the useless ones with the ones you need for your major), try to learn better study skills so you dont have to spend as much time doing useless stuff. On the lines of a new school maybe change your approach all together and try a technical school, there generally more hands on and core driven.

Answer 5

I would talk with my father and mother if I were you and they are financing this year of misery.

You sound exhausted. You also sound as if you don't really know if what you are studying for is what you want to be doing with your life.

I would suggest talking with the college about taking a one year
leave of absence (or if they have an overseas program for one year maybe trying that), get a proper job, any job for a year.

If your parents are against that then the other thing you could try for is to take the lightest possible load for the next two semesters (probably 12 hours per semester) and get a part time job to fill the rest of your time.

It sounds to me like you've been in school too long and need a little break to think thrings through. Some of your courses may be more important than you realize, or you may be heading in the wrong direction for your gifts and talents.

Don't try to handle it alone. Talk to your college advisor and sometimes they turn out to be helpful. Sometimes not.

I wish you a good result.

Maggie

Answer 6

i personally think u should move to a different college.i no u and maybe ur family have worked and struggled for u to go to that college.BUT,ur parents will understand that the money is nothing compared to ur happiness.im sure it'll all work out.be happy.or in ur case,try.

Answer 7

Finish your semester so you don't waste money and take a year off in the work world. It will help you get perspective.

Answer 8

yea, you are stressed out. What i suggest you do is take a yr. off.