Every July, flocks of students arrive at Fu Jen Catholic University (FJCU) to participate in the transfer exam and fight for a spot to study in the new school.
According to the official figures, it is difficult to transfer to FJU. Take the Department of English Language and Literature as an example, 205 people registered for the transfer exam in 2020, while the department only accepts 7 people. The acceptance rate is also low in other departments, reflecting how difficult it is to study in FJU through transfer exams.
The member of the Department Newsletter Team spoke to three transfer students about their experiences while studying in FJU, their struggles during times of preparation, their expectations of the new school, and how they have benefited from the resources offered in FJU.
Tyler Lee, a Senior in Department of English Language and Literature
Tyler Lee, a senior in Department of English Language and Literature. Photo by Michelle Fan.
After studying at a University of Science and Technology for a year, Tyler decided to transfer to the English Language and Literature Department in his Sophomore year due to the frustration and disappointment he felt in the Freshman year. “In my previous university, the mandatory and elective courses that I attended were too easy and flexible. I couldn’t acquire sustainable knowledge. Students there were irresponsible and childish. They treated the assignments casually, and they didn’t respect the professors properly.”
During his time of preparation, he encountered several difficulties regarding the resources that he could receive to improve his English composition skills. “One professor promised me that he would help me in English composition; however, he didn’t help me at all. I had to learn how to write a decent essay on my own. I felt I lagged behind a lot of people preparing for the exams.”
After successfully entering FJU, Tyler revealed that the sensation when realizing he got the admission was one of the best in his life. “The time that I realized that I got admitted, I felt that I conquer the world! I felt that anything is possible if you tried your best!”
Having been studying in the Department of English Language and Literature at FJU for three years, Tyler enjoys his academic career, and feels that his English proficiency is gradually progressing. Not only is he capable of writing research papers and other types of writing, but he also learns professional knowledge about TEFL, literature, and public speaking. “I love FJU because I have improved so much. Meeting my skillful and capable peers has pushed me to become better every single day.”
G.E. Lu, Senior in Department of Economics
G.E. Lu, a senior in Department of Economics. Photo provided by G.E. Lu.
Majored in Economics, G.E transferred to FJU as a makeup for his failure in the university entrance exam four years ago. “I felt extremely happy. My pressure suddenly disappeared. Nevertheless, I was also afraid that I won’t be able to adapt to the new school.”
G.E. was quite dissatisfied with the atmosphere in his previous school. To make himself well-prepared for the annual exam, G.E rarely went to school, so he couldn’t join the student activities. “I had to study intensively every day then. It’s a pity that I couldn’t join the activities. Seeing my classmates having wonderful freshmen lives, I felt depressed.”
Studying at FJU challenges G.E’s concepts of the subjects he has majored in. “To understand Economics, one can’t simply memorize the numbers and models. If I hope to pass, for instance, Microeconomics, I have to comprehend the theory behind each formula instead of remembering them.” Compared to the previous school, the courses in FJU train his logical thinking. He said he can’t cram for Midterm and Final exams, but needs to plan his studying schedule as early as possible.
Allen Hsu, Junior in Department of Information Management
As a transfer having a gap year devoted to exam preparation, Allen gained admission to the Department of Information Management last summer. Before studying in FJU, Allen felt apprehension in terms of his future. “I don’t know what I could do with the graduation certificate if I continue to study in my previous school.”
Allen said he has endured a hard time when preparing for the transfer exam. If he didn’t transfer to his ideal school successfully, the money and time he spent on the exam would be in vain. Instead of gaining support from friends and family, Allen said, “they didn’t expect me to get decent grades on the transfer exam since I didn’t like studying at all before. What I could do was to study hard in hopes of proving they are completely wrong about my attitudes towards the transfer exam.”
When asked about how he has been doing in FJU, Allen responded that the courses are challenging, but he looks forward to each class, since the professor talks about practical knowledge that will be useful in workplaces. “Learning in my department, I can have a sense of what I’m going to do in the future.”