I know the top schools (HYPS) use the transfer process to add nontraditional students to the class, rather than as a second shot at admissions for qualified applicants that got rejected. Does anyone know, either anecdotally through connections/experience or through online data that I can’t find, how many Harvard transfers come from peer institutions? (Let’s say top 30 just to add parameters). I am going to school with full intention of loving it, but in the unlikely event that it’s not a great fit and I decide to apply for a transfer, I’m trying to gauge how viable Harvard would be from a top 15 university. I know it’s only 2% accepted so that’s why I want to clarify if it’s literally 0.00001% for top tier school students.
Thanks!
Also, is it better, generally, to apply after freshman or sophomore year for transfer? Is there a preference?
Sorry, but the strategy to transfer into H for a second shot doesn’t work. They accept almost no transfers and there has to be a compelling reason for the transfer. You would probably not have that compelling reason. Enjoy your school! H is not heaven, it is one of many fine schools.
@snarlatron Thanks for confirming what I thought to be true. I believe my school is actually a much happier place than Harvard, and if I were to transfer it would be but one of many schools to consider. I’m super pumped actually! Only a week to go!
When it comes to transfer applications, I think Yale says it best:
It’s probably a safe bet that Harvard feels the exact same way.
A transfer applicant from a peer school is going to have a difficult time coming up with specific academic reasons why their current school cannot give them what they need. That’s actually why it’s rare for Harvard to accept a transfer applicant from a peer school. Really, think about. What academic opportunities would Harvard offer that you will not find at your current school? None! As @snarlatron said:
@gibby Thanks for that. You’re 100% right (as usual). I don’t even know why I would go to Harvard over my current school. Stars have aligned and I ought to be grateful for that and just leave doubt behind. Thanks to you, and to @snarlatron for reminding me of what’s important.
@TomSrOfBoston You’re right, I was just trying to keep the school’s name out of it so that it didn’t cloud objective discussion. It is a genuine Harvard peer FWIW, but I personally think any school in the Top 15, maybe even 16, is truly comparable to Harvard. Past a certain point I think names lose their cache and the quality disparity is negligible.
