I’m currently a sophomore at Harvard, and ever since completing my first semester and having the buzz of Harvard wear off, I haven’t been able to get the thought of a potential transfer out of my head. Don’t get me wrong, I am incredibly honored and humbled to have been able to study here for the past year and a half. None the less, as time has gone on, it’s become more clear to me that Harvard is a community with a lot of issues, and not one I feel especially at home at. Even though I have made some great friends here, I’ve never felt a huge amount of ownership and pride in the community, and I’m beginning to think maybe that could be different if I attended school elsewhere. What I know might make my case to transfer somewhat less compelling is that in terms of academic field, Harvard actually is a good fit for me; in other words, I wouldn’t fit into the category of students who need to transfer due to a lack opportunities at their school. What really frustrates me about the school is the general culture and vibe. Exclusivity and who-do-you-know sentiments are overwhelming, even day to day. I find this to be true not only between students, but from the administration and faculty as well. I have found the general sentiment of the school to pass along the message to students that qualify of life is irrelevant to them; they are doing enough merely by letting us grace the campus with our presence, and we should expect nothing else. Although I haven’t done much research, I get the sense many of Harvard’s peer institutions have dealt with this issue far more successfully. While I will be the first to admit that on paper Yale and Harvard seem almost one in the same, I really get the sense students are happier there and could potentially be a community I would feel more at home at. I haven’t been to find much information about transferring out of Harvard/between elite institutions, so I guess my question is this: do you think I have/can create a compelling reason to transfer, and if so, do you think schools like Yale, UPenn, Duke and Standord would entertain such a possibility? I can only imagine an admission officer seeing I go to Harvard and thinking “if he wasn’t successful there, why would he be here,” given how similar some of these schools are often made out to be. None the less, I really believe Harvard is unique in its inability to care for the needs of students, and other institutions could better provide such a community to me.
Thanks
Yes, if the fit doesn’t feel right, then try to transfer. Understand though that the new university may have issues as well. Also understand, having done it myself, that when you transfer in you lose that magic freshman bonding experience. Others will have many of their friends already.
Its more the future employers that will ask why you transferred and be suspicious unless you go to a similar top university.
Yale, UPenn, Duke and Stanford ---- You will likely find similar or equally bothersome "vibes’ at these elite schools too.