3rd Year Transfers

[g2ok]

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Hi Everybody,

I'm new to these forums, and thought I could ask a question I've been wondering about. Does anybody know how likely it is for a student to be able to transfer medical schools after their 2nd year? I've done a little research, and some schools don't allow transfers while some have a set application process for it. I'm in good standing at a Top 50 school, and I was wondering if I could transfer to another school of approximately equal rank due to personal reasons.

I'm sure I have to be pretty competitive and have good reasons, but are there a lot of people who try to transfer? At first thought, I wouldn't think that many people would transfer med schools, so I was wondering if there's a lot of competition out there or not. Any insights to this topic would be mucho appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[Winged Scapula]

I think the answer to your question is "it depends". It depends on the policies of the school you intend to transfer to and whether or not they have room.

A number of students each year try to transfer, although the vast majority of those are AMGs studying abroad trying to get into a US school.

However, most US students in good standing should have a reasonable chance of success if they fit the criteria for transfer. You'll never know unless you try.

Best of luck...

 

[JJNY]

One of my friends did his first two years at SUNY Upstate (Syracuse) and then transferred to Downstate (Brooklyn) to be closer to his family and girlfriend.

I'm not sure exactly how he did it, but I do remember that they required a very convincing explanation as to the reasons for the transfer.

I'll ask him when I get a chance.

 

[Dodge This]

I don't know about "free agent" transfers (just applying to transfer to another school because you want to go there), but I do know that a lot of schools will *give* you a spot almost no questions asked if your significant other goes to said school (as long as you've got good LORs and passing grades). It's not just married couples either...pretty much open to any substantial relationship at some schools.

I'm very torn over this issue. On one hand, it's good for young couples because they get a chance to be together. On the other hand, it's unfair for everyone else. The person who transfers didn't do squat to get admitted... Especially not fair if someone goes to a low-ranked, no reputation school but happens to have a partner who goes to a top 10 school.

 

[g2ok]

Although I'm not married, I do have a girlfriend (soon to be fiancee ... shhhh...) who will be attending another school, and my family is near that school as well. Although I like it here at my current school, I just think I'd be much happier being close to everybody I love and care about. I don't think I'd merely be accepted for those reasons only. I'm currently doing fairly well academically, and I'm definitely not trying to transfer to a Top 10 school 🙂

Thanks a lot for the replies... any further feedback would be great!!

 

[Mutterkuchen]

Originally posted by Dodge This
... Especially not fair if someone goes to a low-ranked, no reputation school but happens to have a partner who goes to a top 10 school.

I suspect that this rarely/never happens.

 

[merlin]

I have been following this specific topic for some time now (probably the last year) and from what I have seen on this board, there are few people who really have any first hand experience. The general advice is the same every time. Each school chooses its own transfer policy and the only way to be certain that you might have a chance to transfer is to call up the school and find out. In my experiences, I have found the admissions offices to be much more friendly to me now as a medical student asking about transferring than when I was an applicant to medical school. Just call and good luck.

 

[g2ok]

thanks for the info merlin, are you trying to transfer? How's that going?

 

[merlin]

Right now I am in my first year, and the chances are looking bleak to put it optimistically. Transferring between 1st and 2nd is very difficult, but somewhat easier between 2nd and 3rd. So it looks like I will have to most likely hold off until next year. Good luck.