Should I Transfer?

<p>Currently I'm at an elite LAC, and I'm very happy there. But I'm still thinking about transferring. There were two schools in particular that I was very upset about (got waitlisted) and its just hard to completely let go, you know?</p>

<p>The advantages to transferring would be that I would be closer to my internship, which is very important to me. I could work there more. I'd also be closer to my family, which is very sad that I'm far away. Also, there is a possibility about getting more aid, and money is kind of tight. </p>

<p>At the same time, I'm happy at my college. I know I could just apply for the heck of it, but the problems are - a) the cost of applying is too high for me right now to just take a gamble b) applying is going to take a lot of time c) I'm not sure if I even have a shot. I did very well grades-wise at my school, but my college has grade deflation so I'm not a 4.0 or anything. Also, its only been a semester and I don't think I know my professors well enough to ask for a rec.</p>

<p>Thoughts? The deadline isn't until March so I still have <em>some</em> time if I start soon.</p>

<p>If you are currently happy at your school, I’d stay there.
Are you a freshman? I would wait and weigh my options if I were you, but if you are really sure about transferring then you could still go to one of the schools that you listed after your sophomore year.</p>

<p>As far as I know your first two years are mostly General Ed stuff and you declare your major in your sophomore year, but honestly - weigh your options.</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

<p>“I’m at an elite LAC, and I’m very happy there.” </p>

<p>Yes, it’s hard to let go, because a near miss is so much harder to accept than a flat ‘no.’ It’s the one (or two) that got away, and are no doubt mythologized in your mind for their perfection. Even when you are happy where you are.</p>

<p>Invest in getting even happier. Find a new internship. Learn how to skype, if you aren’t already, and talk to your family often. And no, you probably aren’t going to get more money, even if you could get in - transfers do not tend to get scholarships. More to the point, what have you accomplished since you were waitlisted that would cause these schools to reconsider their decision? If I were looking at your application, I would wonder, instead, why you are having adjustment problems at your LAC and if I really want to inherit them. I don’t mean to sound unsympathetic, and there are lots of good reasons to transfer, but those you have given aren’t among them.</p>

<p>i think as u are not that satisfied from ur college u should switch.</p>

<p>

I seriously doubt this. Most good aid packages are given to freshman. Transfers in many cases get NO merit aid.</p>

<p>M’s mom, I’ve actually accomplished quite a bit since then. I think that can tip the scale in my favor. Of course, I know its really competitive to get in as a transfer - all I’m saying is that I think I have somewhat of a shot.</p>

<p>I can’t find another internship because the one I’m at right now is the best one available, no question. Its good enough for me to consider transferring as an option. I know the above paragraph and this one make me sound kinda delusional, but I’d rather not post too many details on this actual thread.</p>

<p>But one of my other issues is that while I really like my school, I think its really small. I haven’t outgrown it yet, but I think I may well before my four years are over.</p>

<p>I’m thinking of just applying to one school and seeing how it goes. I’m happy where I am for the most part, so I won’t be too disappointed if I don’t get in. I’m nervous about approaching my professors, though.</p>

<p>You won’t get more aid as a transfer, transfer students typically lose aid!
Move on from being wait listed, there is no sense wondering “what if”. </p>

<p>Engage in EC’s at your school that you care about & get involved.
You may quickly change your mind about transferring.</p>