Should I transfer schools?

[RememberMyName]

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Hello,
I am a student at a large public university hoping to major in computer science. In high school, I did really well (3.9+/2300+ SAT), but got rejected from every ivy league school I applied to. After speaking to an ad com from one of these schools, I think I have a reasonable chance to get into a higher tier school by correcting some mistakes I made on the common app. I do like my current school, but the coursework is relatively light and the people, while nice, do not seem to be as driven as I am. Should I transfer? Right now I am leaning toward applying and reassessing my situation after.

 

[pioneer22]

why do you want to transfer? just so you can get a ivy league education next to your name? seems shallow

 

[WedgeDawg]

You can always apply and see what happens. I will tell you though, that of the Ivies that accept transfers (some don't), most of their transfers are Ivy to Ivy or similar (MIT etc).

If you want to look at it from a medical school perspective, if you find the coursework relatively light, you can do your best to shine and then get into a great medical school.

And at every single school, there are people who are bright, driven, and ambitious. Some may have more than others, but they all have some. You just have to find them. That's not something that's exclusive to a small subset of schools.

 

[Manual Disimpaction]

Why are you here? If you want to be a physician I would take the big fish small pond approach. If you want connections for a job maybe it's worth it depending on which schools we are talking about.

 

[RememberMyName]

I want to get into the best medical schools, the best residencies, and be in an environment of like minded, talented peers. There is also an element of regret, because I want to know if I could have gotten in the first place if my application hadn't had as many mistakes

 

[WedgeDawg]

I want to get into the best medical schools, the best residencies, and be in an environment of like minded, talented peers. There is also an element of regret, because I want to know if I could have gotten in the first place if my application hadn't had as many mistakes

Probably about half the students at my top 10 ivy league medical school came from state schools. They just killed it while they were there (and are now doing so while they're here). In general, the type of person who gets into an amazing medical school would likely be able to do so regardless of where they go to college.

Again, there's no reason not to apply for a transfer, but 1) don't get your hopes up because transfers often don't work out and 2) don't think that just because you're in an "ivy league" environment means that you're going to end up at a fantastic med school. It's harder to stand out at a place like Penn than it is at a place like Iowa State. I totally understand why you want to be in an environment of the type you're talking about, but realize that it's not the end-all be-all.

 

[RememberMyName]

Again, there's no reason not to apply for a transfer, but 1) don't get your hopes up because transfers often don't work out and 2) don't think that just because you're in an "ivy league" environment means that you're going to end up at a fantastic med school. It's harder to stand out at a place like Penn than it is at a place like Iowa State. I totally understand why you want to be in an environment of the type you're talking about, but realize that it's not the end-all be-all.

Thank you very much. Right now I'm just trying to rock my ECs as much as I can and plan for my future. I am confident in my ability to do well wherever I go, but there is something nice about being a big fish in a small pond. I've met some incredibly talented people at my university but I sometimes still wonder "What if?"

 

[WedgeDawg]

Thank you very much. Right now I'm just trying to rock my ECs as much as I can and plan for my future. I am confident in my ability to do well wherever I go, but there is something nice about being a big fish in a small pond. I've met some incredibly talented people at my university but I sometimes still wonder "What if?"

There will always be a what if, no matter what. The most successful people do the best not to dwell on it.

 

[Mclovin0351]

Never applied to Ivy's, although I would have been competitive, and went to a large public university on a small but not insignificant academic scholarship. I met some brilliant folks way smarter and more driven than myself who I surrounded myself with and had a great undergrad experience.
Not to mention teaching "slower" students the material makes for great exam review, one of my favorite study methods.
Something else to consider is the fact that undergrad institution is of low to moderate value to adcoms (more value for privates) as per the breakdown of selection criteria which I don't have a link for right now.

 

[thisismyacct]

Screw the Ivy schools and stay where you are. At your current school you're like a big fish in a small pond as another user put it. Stay there and kill the coursework since its so light. Also, you can meet like-minded people, they're out there you just have to look for them.

 

[Fancy_Feast]

I transferred during my undergrad--though not to an Ivy--for similar reasons. Here are some of the pluses and minuses that I experienced:
Plus:

• The courses at my second university were more challenging, and I found myself being pushed to do my best work.
• My fellow students were more focused on school, so I found myself challenged to remain near the tops of my classes.
• Because things were more challenging, I had to improve my study skills.

Minus:

• When I transferred, I gave up a research fellowship that I had received from my first institution because of how much I was able to shine there.
• Being exceptional gives you a chance to lead clubs/have experiences that you will likely not have at a more competitive institution.
• Because I was at my second institution for a shorter period of time, It was more difficult for me to build meaningful relationships with my professors (hello, LOR).

Overall, I'm happy with my decision. However, I transferred after my second year, so you could say that I got the best of both worlds.

Other things to consider would be student loans and cost of living. If you decide to apply, look for scholarships for transfer students.

 

[CyrilFiggis]

I want to .... be in an environment of like minded, talented peers

1) Every school will have like minded, talented peers.
2) If you have the grades, host institution won't keep you from getting into the "best medical schools"
3) I have 6 Ivy undergrads at my med school and we may not be considered by your metric one of those "best" schools, so having an Ivy degree doesn't guarantee acceptance.

 

[Myelinationiskey]

I want to get into the best medical schools, the best residencies, and be in an environment of like minded, talented peers. There is also an element of regret, because I want to know if I could have gotten in the first place if my application hadn't had as many mistakes

Your school won't necessarily determine your chances of getting into the "best schools." I went to a large, unremarkable state school, did well, was exposed to lots of amazing opportunities because of working hard, and have interviews to the top medical schools in the country. Moral of the story is that your chances of getting into the so-called best schools and residences depend more on your performance and experiences than the undergraduate institution you attend. There are always harder classes and opportunities to push yourself if you know where to look.

Good luck! At the end of the day, go with your gut.



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