Undergrad transfer to a school i am interested in for grad school

In summary, the conversation discusses the speaker's dilemma of potentially transferring from University A to University B for their undergraduate studies, as University B has a better reputation for their major. However, the speaker is also considering University B for graduate school and is unsure if universities prefer applicants from their own undergraduate programs. The conversation highlights that while there may not be an official policy, individual departments and supervisors may have their own opinions. It is also noted that the reputation of a school for a specific major may not necessarily reflect the quality of undergraduate teaching.
  • #1
JessicaD
1
0
Hey all
Currently i am in my sophomore year at University A. University B is also close by and has a better reputation for my major. I have been thinking about transferring to University B to finish out my undergrad but University B is one of the schools i have been considering for grad school. I have heard things about MIT not accepting it's own undergrads for grad school. While University B does not have a policy like that I was just wondering if in general universities seem to have a preference for people coming from their own or other undergraduate programs. One of the first advantages i can think of would be the opportunity to get to know the faculty throughout the rest of my undergrad, and i guess the disadvantage would be them being sick of me by the time grad school comes around. IDK
your thoughts? Thanks
 
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  • #2
The school is unlikely to have an 'official' position (it would risk discimination lawsuits esp in the US)
But each dept, each admissions committee and every individual supervisor might have their own opinion/prejudice about this but in general it shouldn't be a factor.

ps. The reputation of a school for your major doesn't have a lot of bearing on the quality of ugrad teaching - it shouldn't be a big consideration of where to study.
 
  • #3


I understand the importance of choosing the right university for both your undergraduate and graduate studies. It is common for students to transfer to a different university for their undergraduate studies if they feel it will better prepare them for their chosen field. However, when it comes to applying for graduate school, it is important to consider the preferences and policies of each university you are interested in.

In my experience, universities do not have a preference for students coming from their own undergraduate programs. What matters most is your academic achievements, research experience, and letters of recommendation. As long as you have a strong application, the fact that you transferred from another university should not be a disadvantage.

In terms of getting to know faculty, it can be beneficial to have relationships with professors at your undergraduate institution, as they can provide valuable letters of recommendation and guidance for your graduate school application. However, it is also important to expand your network and get to know faculty at other universities, including the one you are considering for graduate school. This will give you a well-rounded perspective and potentially open up more opportunities for your future.

Ultimately, the decision to transfer to University B for your undergraduate studies should be based on what will best prepare you for your graduate studies and future career goals. If University B has a better reputation for your major and offers more opportunities for research and academic growth, then it may be worth considering. Just be sure to also consider the logistics of transferring, such as credit transfer and the impact on your timeline for completing your degree.

I wish you the best in your decision-making process and in your academic pursuits. Remember to carefully weigh all factors and choose the path that will set you up for success in your future endeavors.
 

1. How can I transfer from my current undergraduate program to a different school for graduate school?

The process for transferring from one undergraduate program to a different school for graduate school varies depending on the specific schools you are considering. It is important to research the transfer policies and requirements of each school you are interested in, as they may have different deadlines, application materials, and prerequisites. It is also recommended to reach out to the admissions office of the graduate program you are considering to ask any specific questions and get guidance on the transfer process.

2. Can I transfer to a different school for graduate school if I have already completed some of my undergraduate coursework?

Yes, it is possible to transfer to a different school for graduate school even if you have already completed some undergraduate coursework. However, each school may have different policies on which credits they will accept and how they will transfer. It is important to research and communicate with the admissions office of the graduate program you are interested in to determine which credits will transfer and what coursework you may still need to complete.

3. Will transferring to a different school for graduate school affect my financial aid or scholarships?

Transferring to a different school for graduate school may impact your financial aid and scholarships. It is important to research and discuss with the financial aid office of the graduate program you are interested in to understand how transferring may affect your financial aid package. Additionally, it is recommended to reach out to the financial aid office of your current undergraduate program to discuss any potential impacts on your aid or scholarships.

4. Can I transfer to a different school for graduate school if my undergraduate program is in a different field?

Yes, it is possible to transfer to a different school for graduate school even if your undergraduate program is in a different field. However, some schools may have prerequisite coursework or requirements for students coming from a different field of study. It is important to research and communicate with the admissions office of the graduate program you are interested in to determine any specific requirements for students transferring from a different field.

5. How can I ensure a smooth transition to a different school for graduate school?

To ensure a smooth transition to a different school for graduate school, it is important to thoroughly research and communicate with the admissions and financial aid offices of the graduate program you are interested in. Additionally, it is recommended to connect with current students or alumni of the program to get a better understanding of the school and its culture. It is also important to stay organized and on top of deadlines and requirements throughout the transfer process.

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