DW3843 said:
Has anybody transferred after 2nd year? I realize that transferring is very rare, but switching after the basic science years seems to make the most sense.
Does anybody have any personal experience with this or know some transfer students? I'm curious about the process. thanks
Unfortunately I don't know enough about transferring...but I'm trying to do it now. From what I can tell, it varies by school, but mostly it is only allowed between the classroom and clinical years (after step 1) because the curriculum between schools varies so much that its the only way they can ensure you've covered all the same material.
I am trying to transfer to be with my fiancé, who is doing his residency at Vanderbilt (I am a 2nd year at Columbia, he graduated from here last year).
Why are you interested in transferring? The sense that I've gotten is that your reason is REALLY important, because most schools don't accept many transfers so you've got to have a compelling story.
I contacted Vanderbilt last year after he matched and looked into the transfer process. Over the summer I met with various people at Vandy and during this school year I met with my dean to let her know my intentions. I have submitted an application (including three letters of recommendation and a Dean's letter) and am hoping to have an interview soon. They have said that I cannot be notified "officially" of the decision until after they know how many students are taking time off for research/other degrees/etc. and how many are returning to the clinical years to see if they have space. "unofficially" i hope they are going to make it work, because i plan on moving there in May after exams to take Step I of the boards.
PM me if you want to discuss further...I am searching for people who have done this too.
It's not a common thing, and so I sort of feel like I'm flying in the dark...particularly since I can't know for sure if they've accepted me until after I move. Plus, it is hard to leave my classmates (who are amazing) here at P&S. Anyone else done this before?
Best of luck,
-noami
