<p>I know this is unusual, and it is largely hypothetical, but how easy is it for one to transfer out of a top college (such as Stanford) to another top college (say Harvard or Columbia) or even a somewhat less prestigious school (BC, NYU, Tufts) or even a mid-level school such as Denver University or Boston U? </p>
<p>Currently, I may have to explore transferring out of Stanford after my freshman year. I am just wondering how feasible this is.</p>
<p>Lots of people leave “top” institutions every year. Don’t worry about this. You would follow the same transfer process as anyone else who is applying to the place(s) that you are sending your transfer application(s) to.</p>
<p>What you may want to think about is whether or not you should defer enrollment at Stanford this fall, so that you can resolve the issue that you think might force you to transfer out after only one year.</p>
<p>remember that the financial aid for transfer students generally is not as good as for those who are initially enrolling/remaining on campus.</p>
<p>You haven’t said what the issue is that may necessitate a transfer, but maybe you should defer your enrollment while you think things over…</p>
<p>Money is not the issue and financial aid is not really a concern. The issue is basically geographical location. I heard it is harder to transfer to a top school from a top school, rather than from a cc or lower tier school. Is that true?</p>
<p>^ Not necessarily. I think it really depends on how compelling your reason is, along with your academic standing.</p>
<p>Like, “I don’t like the weather here” won’t work out as opposed to, “I’m severely lacking opportunities here” and such.</p>
<p>Did you apply anywhere else that is the same level as Stanford? If so, did you get in and then choose Stanford over that other institution? If you weren’t admitted to the other place(s) what makes you think that you will be more admissible in the future?</p>
<p>If you just really hate Stanford’s location, then defer enrollment while you reconsider whether or not you should apply somewhere else.</p>
<p>If your reason for relocating has to do with another person, then maybe you need to wait to make that relocation decision based on the other person’s life. Again a good argument can be made for taking a gap year while you wait this out.</p>
<p>Here’s a recent thread that discussed some of what you’ve asked about:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/1343207-one-way-thinking-ivy-transfer-admission-chance.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/transfer-students/1343207-one-way-thinking-ivy-transfer-admission-chance.html</a></p>
<p>I only applied to Stanford early. I highly doubt I will need to leave Stanford, but I will not know for sure until next winter so a gap year is not in play. Does coming from Stanford help at schools like BC, BU, or say George Washington (anywhere in that tier group)?</p>
<p>what is your reason for wanting to leave stanford? is it because of a desire to explore something different on the east coast? the more compelling it is the better.</p>
<p>dapotatoman, I suggest you look at your Stanford acceptance as the fabulous opportunity it is! Many East coast Stanford alums decide to stay in N. Calif once they experience the glorious Calif weather, the critical mass of very smart students they meet at Stanford who go into business or start businesses here and the incredible opportunities a Stanford degree opens up, not only here but world wide. Once you are at Stanford I’m sure you wont think twice about transferring out.</p>