To transfer or not to transfer?

Bookworm4351 · 01-14-2009, 03:54 AM

I'm struggling with the decision of whether or not to transfer, and I could really use some advice. I'm a Smith College student, and I’m debating whether to transfer to another liberal arts school where the quality of education would be the same, but it’s not as well-known.
One of my problems: how big of a deal is Smith? Would it be unwise to go from a fairly well-known school to one that isn't ranked as highly?

From what I’ve heard, Smith is well-known in the field I’m interested in (education). I’m worried that I would be losing an edge in the hyper competitive job market, at a time when the economy is in serious trouble. I plan on applying to grad school, and I'm uncertain as to whether Smith would give me an advantage there or not.

Also, I have two years worth of credits at Smith. Since I have only two more years to go, I don’t know if transferring would be worth it. So on the one hand, I’m concerned about losing the Smith edge; on the other, I’m worried that I might be giving up the opportunity to attend a school where I would be much happier. Thoughts? I would really appreciate any advice!

U2maniac · 01-14-2009, 01:09 PM

What are the negatives of the school you're in? Is there something in particular that you don't like about it? From what you've written, it looks like Smith would be the better choice for your career. Is it the students? the classes? What makes you want to transfer out of Smith?

Bookworm4351 · 01-14-2009, 02:46 PM

I don't really want to go into all the negatives, but for several personal reasons it isn't the best fit for me. The most compelling reason to stay would be because of the school's prestige, and that's something that's difficult to assess. On the one hand, Smith is ranked in the top twenty, has a good academic reputation, and I've read that some alumnae have benefited from the name in their job searches. On the other, whether or not Smith is recognized can vary from region to region and employer to employer. As someone mentioned on another thread, Smith isn't as selective as it used to be, with around a 50% acceptance rate. So I was hoping I could get some perspective on my biggest question: how big a deal is Smith? Would sticking it out be worthwhile?

ColdWind · 01-14-2009, 03:40 PM

It is difficult to make recommendations without understanding/knowing the reasons for wanting to transfer. Since Smith is a single sex school with a moderate student population of about 2,500 students, thoughts of transferring are easily understood, in my opinion. Smith is an elite LAC with an outstanding reputation for academics & for developing leaders, but that doesn't mean that it is the best school for you. Wellesley may be an option which is closer to Boston, offers students the opportunity to take classes at MIT & Harvard, and is a bit more moderate. Other natural transitions might be to schools such as Brown or Wesleyan. It would help to know the school that you are considering. If you are uncomfortable posting this info., then just list three or four LACs about which you are curious or feel free to PM your question. My impression is that outside of the Smith alumni network, Smith--similiar to many great LACs--is not well known outside of its geographic region. As you are planning to go to graduate school for your master's, you may also want to consider whether a change of schools would impact your options.
If you like the feel of a LAC but want a different environment & a co-ed school, then Grinnell, Oberlin, Skidmore, Conn College, Barnard (not co-ed), Colorado College, Scripps (not co-ed), & some others would not result in a loss of prestige--but I am not certain about career prospects in the education field. Another thought might be to take an academic year abroad or a semester at another college within the Twelve School Consortium (if, of course, Smith is a member).

ColdWind · 01-14-2009, 08:12 PM

Another school for you to consider that is more prestigious, in my opinion, is Vanderbilt University's Peabody School of Education. Northwestern University's SESP (School of Education & Social Policy) is also ultra prestigious & the student advising is superb. However, I do not know whether or not transfering into SESP is doable as they only accept 30 to 40 students a year; but the connections & guidance are outstanding.