Help Wanted: Transferring

College Search & Selection
1

Hello!

I am currently a sophomore at a liberal arts school who is seeking advice on transferring. More specifically, I am seeking input both about the schools and programs I enumerate, as well as the process of transferring to the particular schools from students or alumni who have experience doing so.

Briefly, as I imagine this will make providing some advice easier, I currently have a 3.9 GPA, and participate in the self-governance ethos of the college as a member of a few committees. I participated with a professor on a grant this semester, and have received a grant to do research with the professor next summer. I am certain I will be able to secure some pretty bangin’ letters of recommendation.

In regard to why I would like to transfer, or, at the very least, why I would like to explore it as an option, there are a few details I would like to mention. First, academically I am not particularly fulfilled. I think this is probably due, in large part, to the size of the school (we are quite small). In many cases, the departments consist of a single faculty member. Though this is neither a good nor bad thing, I think I would prefer more diversity in thought and more offerings in terms of courses. The only reason I am considering staying is because I have cultivated a wonderful relationship with the professor who would be the chair for my thesis.

Secondly, the school has quite a grave financial imperative, and both my father and I are a bit uneasy with the situation. Whether it will impact financial aid remains to be seen. Though, the very real threat of a closure and the emergency decision to force a number of faculty out of the institution is not a comfortable position to be in. I would rather have the ability to transfer, should I determine it would be the best option, than be caught unprepared.

Lastly, and perhaps most insignificantly, the social environment of campus is a bit of a joke.

Now, the colleges I am interested in. I would be transferring in the Spring, and a number of institutions do not accept Spring transfers. So, I have limited my institutions of interest to those that do admit Spring transfers. In order of interest (for the most part):

Wesleyan University
Amherst College
University of Richmond
College of William and Mary
Macalester College
Whitman College
Bates College
Colgate Univeristy.

The only school I would likely add, if I they accepted Spring transfers, would be Swarthmore. Maybe Reed. I will also add that, out of all of them, Amherst and Wesleyan hold the most interest for me. Of particular interest are Amherst’s Independent Scholar Program (and their Law, Jurisprudence and Social Thought department), and Wesleyan’s College of Social Studies. Do you have any experience or information (that I haven’t already ready from the websites) about either of these programs? Do you have more general information regarding the schools listed, transferring, etcetera?
Anything is greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

2

You need more of a range for possible schools. All but Richmond are super selective and Richmond is also hard. Throw in some a few notches down.

You are finishing up Sophomore year? Ugh.

3

There are a few other schools that are, to use your words, “a few notches down,” on my list. However, I felt I didn’t need to include them here.

Also, if I may, why the “ugh?”

4

I think you have to start CSS at the beginning of sophomore year. Check the website.

5

I adored Wesleyan but would have gone to Amherst had they admitted me. It’s not as fun or cool or friendly as Wes (and the food at Valentine sucks), but its massive financial resources make a lot of independent projects possible with school funding and there is greater emphasis on writing in all departments. When Harvard sought to improve its undergraduate teaching, they used Amherst as an exemplar. In retrospect, though, I’m so glad I went to Wes. There’s something a little too grimly perfect about Amherst. Williams, too. Have you considered Bowdoin? That’s where I went for my first year, and IMO it has everything that’s good about Amherst without the elitism. Also, the food!

6

Thank you for your response! I have spent a fair bit of time on Amherst’s campus, so I totally understand what you mean. I have considered Bowdoin, but they, like Swarthmore, do not accept Spring transfers. May I ask why you transferred from Bowdoin to Wes?

In response to the CSS starting at the beginning of Sophomore year, I had some correspondence with the previous chair of the CSS and she told me that we could probably figure something out, considering I would be transferring as a second semester sophomore. That, and I would be willing to stay an extra semester, essentially starting at Wes as a first semester sophomore. What have you heard about the CSS more generally? Have you spoken to anybody about their experience with the program?

7

Are you talking about the CSS Profile? That’s not a program. It’s a data collection form for financial information to support the college giving you aid.

8

they’re talking about College of Social Studies

9

Indeed. I was referring to the College of Social Studies. I apologize if I wasn’t clear.