Is it worth transferring from UC Davis to UCLA for a career in physics research?

[gregarob]

I am hoping that the infinite wisdom of Physics Forums can help me with a bit of an issue I have. Although I really do enjoy UC Davis, I applied for transfer this year and was admitted by UCLA. It is a tough choice for me because I am already well-rooted in the physics department at UCD and really enjoy the college-town atmosphere. On the other hand, I want to make sure that my decision is best for a career in physics research.

One important consideration for me is that I am already doing HEP research with one of my favorite professors, and it may take a while for me to gain the same traction with a different department. Also of concern is whether a year and a half (if that) will be enough time for professors to get to know me well enough to write strong recommendations for graduate admission.

What are your thoughts? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated!

 

[blerg]

Sounds like you have a great situation at UCD. I wouldn't give up everything you have for the chance of a better opportunity.
Additionally, UCD is certainly not a school that it looks bad to have attended.
I would concentrate on your studies now so that you can choose where you want to go for grad school.

 

[Choppy]

I'm not sure that I understand your motivation for transferring. Are there particular courses that you would have access to at UCLA that you would not be able to take where you are currently? Is there a particular research group or club that you have an interest in that isn't where you are now?

If your motivation is only to improve your score on a graduate school application, I would hesitate giving up what you already have (a school/program that you seem to like and a research project with a professor you like), since you may not be able to get those very easily in a new school and they likely will count for much more than a school name and a somewhat arbitrary ranking.

 

[j93]

Dont do it. For graduate admissions youre going to be judge on how good a physics student you are relative to your graduating class and the PGRE. It sounds like your doing really well relative to your class and this is offering benefits like research opportunities. Why would you trade that for an unknown standing relative to UCLA class and unknown amount of research opportunities