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I'm interested in transferring from my the school I am currently attending, Boston University, to a more highly regarded institution. For students that end up making such a transition, does the fact that they attended an inferior institution reflect negatively on applications to graduate schools?

By 1214 (1214) on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 11:20 am: Edit

I don't think so at all. It all depends on the light in which you present yourself. If you are tranferring to another school for prestige - don't do it; it's stupid. C'mon ... BU is an awesome school. BUT, if you are transferring because you want a greater challenge, a more varied extramural experience, etc - go for it. Grad schools want to see a well-rounded applicant who has a good head on his/her shoulders - and transferring for the RIGHT reasons can show that you just wish better for yourself. I just started Brown and I have a feeling it's not for me. I'll take the experience for all it has to give, but in my heart I know I always wanted to attend Yale or Harvard ... to some degree for it's prestige, but to a greater degree ... it's programs in English are among the best in the world. So, it's all up to you. If you think transferring will help you, by all means do so.

By Nlev20 (Nlev20) on Wednesday, September 03, 2003 - 08:31 pm: Edit

bump

By Nlev20 (Nlev20) on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 12:01 am: Edit

bump

By Ksolo (Ksolo) on Friday, September 05, 2003 - 01:29 am: Edit

If you switch from a good undergraduate school to an inferior one, yes it can be looked upon a bit negatively. You should only switch if financial circumstances really force you to. Transferring is good if you want to move to a better school, not one that isnt as good.

Also, if you want to transfer to another school because it's prestige is much better, then do so. Prestige doesn't hurt you, it can only help. Just make sure it's a school than you'll like overall.

By Nlev20 (Nlev20) on Saturday, September 06, 2003 - 01:19 pm: Edit

bump

By Nlev20 (Nlev20) on Wednesday, September 10, 2003 - 04:32 pm: Edit

bump, please