Could I have made it at a real college? (Should I even feel like I know what it’s like to go to college?)?

You’ll get both sides of the argument on this, but the truth is you can use your school as a stepping stone to higher level schools.

One of the real truths are that the top schools teach people to use each other to a far greater degree than do lower level schools.

I’ve been grappling with this same issue, but from the other side. I struggled my way through an honors college – and am glad I did – but talking to students at other colleges the ‘honors’ part didn’t seem that much harder, so I figured my school was just like any other college. I graduated, and now work at a liberal arts college with students like you are describing, lazy and apathetic and taking little accountability for their own education. And I tell my cohorts “I can’t believe these kids.” And they just say, “Well you went to an honors school, it’s on a whole different level. These kids are just here because they have to be, it’s like a year-long summer camp. But at an honors school, students are actually trying to accomplish something.” Well I knew my share of lazy, apathetic students at my honors school so it didn’t seem that different to me. To answer your question, yes, if you are driven to succeed, you can make it anywhere – especially if you are not being challenged where you are. You belong at a better institution – I’d say you’d be a good candidate for an honors program. Have you sat down with the Registrar and seriously expressed your concerns about transferring? I’m not asking because I doubt you, it’s just that I work in the Registration Office, and the Registrar is supposed to be there to help you. (I say supposed to, but if they are not addressing your concerns then they are not doing their job.) Good luck, I hope you are able to find a place where you belong.

I dont’ see why you can’t transfer if you’re on dean’s list……unless everyone is on dean’s list at your school.

As long as you’re getting a b.s….don’t worry about it.

First job …your school / grades count. After that it doesn’t……

Work a few years…and then maybe go for a masters. Can do that as night classes normally. You’ll get your challenge there.

I’m in a “real” school and in a “tough” major (chemical engineering)…..and i coasted my way through. 2.3 gpa. Thats zero studying. I know i could have done a ton better, but i still didn’t get the inspiration you mentioned.

With those grades i definitely can’t make it straight to grad school…but i learned ways after some work to get my way in..and thats my focus now. I just wanna get done with this…..(1 semester left with 6 credits)….then do work my way up to grad school.

Sorry if it got off topic…but yeah…i’m saying just don’t worry…eventually things may pan out.

You almost certainly could have made it in a “real school.” But trust me, EVERY university, no matter how big or small, has a few great instructors in every department, and a few that you wish you never met.

But only rich people and poor athletes get to go to what you call “real” schools. Poor smart people are just out of luck.