<p>I think there is a huge social and academic difference between transferring as a sophomore and transferring as a junior. So your college experience could be ruined by the latter, or bolstered by the former.</p>
<p>I was a sophomore transfer, and my experience was outstanding. I had three years to acclimate myself socially and academically, and I think that is more than enough. Junior transfers, on the other hand – from my experience – have a much more difficult time. Since they only have two years, there is not a lot of time for them to become as socially and academically acclimated. Nearly all of the junior transfers here are having a very difficult time making friends and finding things to do. This could be a reflection of our transfer program, but I strongly doubt that since the sophomore transfers are doing even better than I did when I first came.</p>
<p>Academically, transferring as a junior has its definite disadvantages: if you plan to apply to professional or graduate schools, the relationships you form with professors will be integral to earning recommendations. Since applications are due during the fall of senior year, you only really have one year to get to know enough professors, and one year is not enough. Simply put, in order for a recommender to be viewed as good one, you will have had to have taken at least two courses with that professor, preferably two very small courses. Since law schools, for instance, require at least two recommendations, that means you need to take four classes with two professors in the span of one year. This might seem easy, but at most top schools, most professors do not teach every semester or they teach courses that might not suit your interests.</p>
<p>This worry is not aprocryphal. When I was considering a junior transfer to the University of Chicago, I spoke to one of their professors; he reinforced my worry, claiming that I would have to wait a year to apply to graduate school after I graduated, so I could give professors another year on which to base my recommendations. I wanted to start my JD/PhD the fall following my graduation, so transferring simply wasn't an option at that point.</p>
<p>With the full three years, though, the situation is much more comfortable. I know many professors on a first-name basis, have done as much as three courses with at least two of them, and I don't feel so alien in the department right now; I can only imagine how much more familial it will feel during my senior year!</p>
<p>I asked for recommendations around two weeks. Having known me for almost two years, my professors didn't hesitate to write them, and one of them even offered before I could ask!</p>