Should I Transfer from UC Riverside to the UW-Seattle?

College Search & Selection
1

Hello! So I’m having a rough time deciding whether or not I should transfer, so I figured I would ask y’all. Although UCR gets a rap, I have really used my time well here. In my two years I have earned a spot on Dean’s List every quarter, maintained a 3.75 GPA, had 3 internships, served on various executive boards in several organizations, and volunteered as an ambassador for the Chancellor of the school and the Advancement Office. Going to an amazing grad school for economics is my goal, and this is why I’m having such a rough time deciding. If I stay at UCR, I will begin economic research with professors from the University of Chicago. If I transfer to the UW, I will lose this opportunity, but I’m wondering if the UW will have more to offer? This research at UCR could also help me get a really good internship (i.e. the Federal Reserve or a think tank) this summer since I will have 3 internships down in business development/marketing and then the research on my resume.

Will the UW’s resources and recognition help me more in getting into a better grad school, or am I better off just staying at UCR and getting this research down and keeping my UCR GPA?

P.S. I am a junior and was accepted for Winter 2017 transfer

2

I can’t comment on the quality of research between the two, but I read that you are happy, involved and thriving at UCR. On the surface it seems odd to trade all that certainty for a lot of uncertainty - will you get your classes at UW, will you get a rhythm there, etc. But if you have always dreamed of living elsewhere/Seattle or just want a crazy new lifestyle, maybe you could justify it. Good luck with the decision!

3

this

Your research/intern opportunities in undergrad, and good GPA, might matter more than added “prestige” of UW when it comes to grad school.

4

NO!

You’re OOS for UWash.

Are your parents willing to pay a LOT more for UWash??? What are they saying???

5

Your professors understand the in and outs of grad school admission (assuming you’re talking PhD program here, not an MBA or law school). Talk to them and get their advice.