I am currently a sophomore at UW studying Chemistry, but I recently got into UCLA as a transfer. I’m conflicted about what school I should choose going forward. I don’t know much about transferring and how it can affect my chances for medical school, but I read in a couple of places that transferring between undergraduate schools puts pre-med students at a disadvantage over students who stayed in one school through all four years.
Pros of staying:
- I know I can thrive at UW, not just academically but socially.
- The second wave of COVID-19 might push UCLA’s fall quarter online, and adapting to a new system while they’re still adapting to online school is going to be the death of me.
- I’ve created a good circle of pre-med friends that can help me through MCAT studying, applying, etc.
- If reports of transfer students not doing well in med school applications are true, then transferring shouldn’t really be an option.
Cons of staying:
- It’s more expensive (I am a CA resident), although money isn’t really a concern here. I’m fortunate enough to come from a family that can pay for my undergraduate education.
- UCLA’s chemistry department is a stronger department than UW, no doubt.
- I don’t get a chance to start over and redefine my undergraduate experience. Not really worried about that, however.
I realize that my biggest concern for leaving is the fear that I’ll be lost in a new environment again. And especially with the pandemic not ending anytime soon, now might not be the best time to upend my entire life, no matter what school I attend. I love both schools, but I don’t know where to go from here. When I applied, I really wanted to leave, but now I’m at the point where I don’t want to anymore but my parents really want me to.
Does anyone have information about transferring impacting medical school admission chances? Does my UW GPA transfer over to UCLA or will I report both marks on my medical school application? Am I making a mistake for not wanting to attend UCLA over UW?