Should I Transfer?

[bobobear27]

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I'm still an undergrad and I've been on medical leave for the year. I'm getting closer to my time to return to my original school and I'm starting to wonder if I should. I got into a certain ivy league school right out of high school and I was super excited. It was my dream school and I don't think I really counted the costs of going there. My GPA has suffered and science classes have been very difficult at this school. I had the opportunity to go to a state school and probably do better academically. Now I am thinking of transferring to this state school so I can get a better GPA and finish faster (it accepts community college credit from my leave). Should I transfer? Does it look like a cheap move to do something like this/ will I regret not graduating from the ivy?

 

[Pacna]

I would regret not sticking it out with the Ivy League, but I think jumping ship would be an okay choice.

A better question would be why is your GPA suffering? I guarantee you that science courses at state schools aren't that much different.

 

[Mr Roboto]

Personally I think you'd be crazy to switch.

 

[bobobear27]

In response to Q1: I feel like I'm suffering more in the science classes here because I the exams require more than just memorization, they are really big on applying concepts and covering a large span of material. I know that sounds like a cop out, but I'm used to working hard/ studying a lot. But for some reason these exams are beyond just studying hard, it's like you have to be able to think in a certain way.
In response to Q2: I do feel like it is mainly the stress from my performance that is making me unhappy. But another factor is being far away from my family. I didn't think of how hard it would be to not have the same support system, especially with my medication needs.
Do you think medical schools look at completing requirements at an ivy as more rigorous? Does a student with a 3.4 at an ivy look better/worse than a 3.6 at a state school?

 

[Pacna]

Do you think medical schools look at completing requirements at an ivy as more rigorous? Does a student with a 3.4 at an ivy look better/worse than a 3.6 at a state school?

There are differing opinions on this, but I don't think so. If a school is notorious for grade deflation, you may get a slight break, but I doubt it'd be worth 0.2. The general consensus is that GPA = GPA = GPA. Even more challenging majors don't get a break.

 

[CollegeGirl94]

I go to a school somewhat known for deflation. The average accepted medical student here has a 3.4-3.5, but it seems that the MCAT makes up for the lower than average GPA.

What is your GPA? I had a 2.7 last year (Science) and I got all As last quarter. You can do it.

 

[pepocho]

.

 

[Mr Roboto]

I feel like I'm suffering more in the science classes here because I the exams require more than just memorization, they are really big on applying concepts and covering a large span of material.

It's like that everywhere. That's how college works.

 

[CollegeGirl94]

It's like that everywhere. That's how college works.

Meh I have to disagree. Material might be the same. The level to which you need to know the material is not always the same and then there's grading based on no homework/strict comparisons to other students.

 

[Mr Roboto]

Meh I have to disagree. Material might be the same. The level to which you need to know the material is not always the same and then there's grading based on no homework/strict comparisons to other students.

Ok.

At some crappy schools you won't be required to know the material to the same degree as you are at most colleges.

Better?

 

[CollegeGirl94]

Ok.

At some crappy schools you won't be required to know the material to the same degree as you are at most colleges.

Better?

No. Isn't Harvard known for inflation? And I would hardly consider it a crappy school.

 

[Mr Roboto]

No. Isn't Harvard known for inflation? And I would hardly consider it a crappy school.

lol

 

[Lya]

In response to Q1: I feel like I'm suffering more in the science classes here because I the exams require more than just memorization, they are really big on applying concepts and covering a large span of material. I know that sounds like a cop out, but I'm used to working hard/ studying a lot. But for some reason these exams are beyond just studying hard, it's like you have to be able to think in a certain way.
In response to Q2: I do feel like it is mainly the stress from my performance that is making me unhappy. But another factor is being far away from my family. I didn't think of how hard it would be to not have the same support system, especially with my medication needs.
Do you think medical schools look at completing requirements at an ivy as more rigorous? Does a student with a 3.4 at an ivy look better/worse than a 3.6 at a state school?

1) Look for study groups. It is a great way for you to learn easier if you have a study group and ask your friends to explain things better for you. Some of my best friends from my undergrad are from my study groups, and they have been great for advice on how to prepare for exams better, doing homework together, etc.

2) Ask your TA and professors about your concerns. I bet that you are not the only and first one struggling like this, and I am sure they will be more than happy to help.

3) If all of the above fail, then I would consider transferring. Ask your close friends, academic adviser, mentors, parents, and etc. about the possibility of transferring out. Don't suffer alone. They might be able to help you, but if they all agree that you will most likely go downward spiral, then I would seriously look into how to transfer out of that ivy.

 

[tigga2013]

Just ask yourself if it's worth the risk (of not 'succeeding') to stay at your institution?

Very interesting talk on this particular topic:

 

[bobobear27]

Meh I have to disagree. Material might be the same. The level to which you need to know the material is not always the same and then there's grading based on no homework/strict comparisons to other students.

I feel like this is the problem. Although the material is the same as what I would be learning at the state school, the way exams are graded and the class is curved is a big difference. Our exams are completely open ended, there are no choices to let you know you're on the right track. And our science courses tend to curve to a B-/C (for orgo its even worse with most students getting a C).
In response to the earlier post about GPA, right now I have a 3.0 science GPA and 3.4 overall. This seems to be the bare minimum for medical schools... I don't know if I can raise it when my chances of getting higher grades in more difficult course like orgo is slim.
I really like that Malcolm Gladwell talk, feel like it perfectly describes this situation. I don't think I have exhausted all my resources though, I didn't really go to office hours or have study groups. Should I keep trying?

 

[CollegeGirl94]

I feel like this is the problem. Although the material is the same as what I would be learning at the state school, the way exams are graded and the class is curved is a big difference. Our exams are completely open ended, there are no choices to let you know you're on the right track. And our science courses tend to curve to a B-/C (for orgo its even worse with most students getting a C).
In response to the earlier post about GPA, right now I have a 3.0 science GPA and 3.4 overall. This seems to be the bare minimum for medical schools... I don't know if I can raise it when my chances of getting higher grades in more difficult course like orgo is slim.
I really like that Malcolm Gladwell talk, feel like it perfectly describes this situation. I don't think I have exhausted all my resources though, I didn't really go to office hours or have study groups. Should I keep trying?

I definitely feel you. The curve sucks, especially when in a class with such smart kids. But if you have a 3.0 Science, I definitely think you can raise it with using all your resources and still graduate from a great school.