What should I do? A dillemma: to transfer or not

  • Thread starter Thread starter flyingpig
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the dilemma of whether to transfer from a small university with a strong faculty but potential grade inflation to a larger university known for grade deflation and more resources. Participants explore the implications of academic performance, financial considerations, and personal circumstances related to the transfer decision.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the small university has excellent professors but suggests there may be grade inflation, with average grades around 80% in third-year courses.
  • Another participant mentions the larger university has more professors and resources but is known for grade deflation, with average grades around 60%.
  • A participant expresses concern about the financial burden on their parents and weighs the choice between easier grades and financial considerations.
  • One participant suggests that if the current college meets academic needs, there may be no compelling reason to transfer.
  • Another participant shares their experience of transferring to an engineering university, emphasizing the availability of more research areas despite potential challenges with grade deflation.
  • Some participants discuss the proximity of the universities to home and the associated costs of commuting, including parking and gas expenses.
  • There is a suggestion that grade deflation could serve as motivation for good students to strive harder academically.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of grade inflation versus the quality of education and resources available at the larger university. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing perspectives on the merits of transferring versus staying at the current institution.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on the best course of action, and the discussion reflects various personal circumstances and priorities that influence their viewpoints.

flyingpig
Messages
2,574
Reaction score
1
I'll make this brief. I am right now in a very small university with at most 5 physics professors. The math dep here is quite strong, I say about 10 profs at most?

Now here is the problem, in the fall I applied to transfer to a big university which has like 40 professors in each dept, I didn't get in. I checked my application again this morning and apparently my application was reviewed and they accepted me again for this Fall.

Now the small university I go to may have a small staff, but the professors are excellent. I think there is actually a grade inflation in our university because we have third year courses with an average of 80%...

Compared with the big university, the averages are 60% ish...

I know I shouldn't stoop so low as to stay at the university that would boost my grades, but the big university is where I live close by, and the expenses are probably cheaper too in the near future.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
flyingpig said:
I'll make this brief. I am right now in a very small university with at most 5 physics professors. The math dep here is quite strong, I say about 10 profs at most?

Now here is the problem, in the fall I applied to transfer to a big university which has like 40 professors in each dept, I didn't get in. I checked my application again this morning and apparently my application was reviewed and they accepted me again for this Fall.

Now the small university I go to may have a small staff, but the professors are excellent. I think there is actually a grade inflation in our university because we have third year courses with an average of 80%...

Compared with the big university, the averages are 60% ish...

I know I shouldn't stoop so low as to stay at the university that would boost my grades, but the big university is where I live close by, and the expenses are probably cheaper too in the near future.
I'm not qualified enough to answer but I believe that if you could tell us what year you are in, you might get better answers. (I don't think you are in your third year, right? I remember you :) )
 
I was 1st year, I am transferring (or could be) as 2nd year. If I wait, I will transfer as 3rd year next year (shouldn't be too difficult to keep up with grades)
 
I'm transferring to an engineering university too which is known for its grade deflation. It might be harder but the university will be more equipped than my current smaller one and has more research areas to choose from. If your current college has enough resources to satisfy your academic needs than I don't really see a reason to transfer.
 
No, but it's getting expensive on my parents. I don't really want to burden them too much.

Edit:

It's either "easy" grades or parents' $$
 
Last edited:
It's up to you then. My new University is also close to home so I won't have to have my parents pay for a dorm, but parking costs around $600 and gas is rising so it doesn't help much. I'd choose to save my parents the trouble. If you're a good student, you'd find the grade deflation motivating to try harder.
 
Fizex said:
It's up to you then. My new University is also close to home so I won't have to have my parents pay for a dorm, but parking costs around $600 and gas is rising so it doesn't help much. I'd choose to save my parents the trouble. If you're a good student, you'd find the grade deflation motivating to try harder.

Lol I failed the driving test like 3 times already, I won't be driving any time soon
 

Similar threads

Admissions Will poor grades later in my degree affect my chances of doing a PhD?
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
What should I do about my academic supervisor?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Admissions Big Dilemma - Do I have any chance to study a MSc Physics in Canada?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Other Name omitted from Professor's research paper- What should I do?
  • · Replies 25 ·
Replies
25
Views
6K
Applying for a PhD in Physics after a Master's degree
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Schools Which College Should I Choose for a Career in Fusion System Design?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
My Grade 11 Math mark is eating me alive. What do I do?
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
189K
Schools Can I still be competitive at a small school?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Schools Question About Relevance of a HBSc degree at UofT Compared to US Universities
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
5K
Admissions PhD Admission: What Do Committees Want from an MS Applicant in Research?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K