<p>On the other hand, I know of two girls who are currently freshmen at 2 smaller boarding schools; both decided the schools were not for them and this year applied to two larger schools (NMH and Exeter). Both girls were accepted to their respective schools. Additionally, when I interviewed at schools last year with one of my daughters, I met a boy also scheduled for an interview. He was currently a sophomore at Berkshire, but wanted to transfer to a different school. So, tranfers do happen. </p>
<p>Regarding the recommendations: any 9th grader applying for 10th is in the same spot–the teachers at the high school will have known you for only a couple of months. I think most teachers will give a honest recommendation based on their knowledge of the student’s performance. Where I think it would become awkward is, if you have received financial aid from the school, they may feel betrayed.</p>
<p>But, if the school really isn’t the right fit for the student, isn’t it better to acknowledge that and find the school that is a good match? What may have appealed to you as a 14 yr old in 8th grade may not have the same appeal two years later.</p>