When I decided that I wanted to transfer schools, I had no idea where I wanted to go or if I even wanted to continue with the same major. I have always been that kind of person who has a plan and follows it through, so the idea of changing schools was intimidating to me. I decided that I needed to do it, however, the application deadlines for many schools had already passed.
I started researching schools that were highly ranked in the aerospace department and I came across the University of Colorado at Boulder. It immediately drew my attention and I started looking into it some more. As soon as I read about how they’re the #1 public university for NASA research funds, and how much groundbreaking research takes place in the school, I immediately started the application process.
The application process was easier than I could have ever thought, even as an international student; it was as simple as completing the CU transfer application, paying a fee, and sending in high school and college transcripts. That was it! I had already studied 2 years in the US so TOEFL scores and SAT scores were not necessary, but I sent them in anyways along with an optional personal statement. I wanted to make sure that I submitted the best application possible to get in.
Once I was admitted, I had an appointment with my new advisor over the phone to discuss my transfer credits and the courses I would take on my first semester. He made everything really clear to me and helped me develop a plan.
Then came the time to move to Boulder. As my parents and I drove down the highway nearing Boulder, my jaw dropped wide open with the sight of the mountain range. I could not believe that was going to be my view for the next 3 years. It still looks unreal to me.
During my first semester here, I was doing aerospace engineering. The labs were incredible; I got to put to practice what I learned in my classes, and I got to add projects to my resume. After that first semester, however, I came to realize that I really liked physics more than any other subject, so I decided to pursue that as my major. Transferring between the College of Engineering and Applied Science and the College of Arts and Sciences was as easy as filling out one piece of paper. My advisor helped me out with the whole process and it was done within a week. As soon as I was admitted to physics, my new advisor in the physics department met with me to discuss what classes I needed to take to stay on track.
I’m in my senior year at CU Boulder now, and as I’m applying for full-time jobs for next year, I realize how much my classes and extracurriculars have helped me develop life skills as well as professional skills. Additionally, working on campus has taught me how to manage my time more wisely and what a professional work environment is like.
However, being at CU Boulder is not just about work and school; the school emphasizes the importance of a work-life balance. There’s around 300 days of sunshine, and there’s numerous outdoors activities that help you disconnect from everything. If you ask me what my favorite part about CU is, it’s how genuinely happy people are here.