I just finished my first semester at a small private college. Even though I found some great people, I found that there are various social pressures/norms here that don’t really work for me. I had a difficult semester for these reasons and others (like the general adjustment, a difficult roommate situation - now solved, and taking too many hard courses). Additionally, since where I currently am now is so small the departments of the subjects that I’m thinking about majoring in (math and physics) are both really tiny and it’s sometimes difficult to get all the courses that you need for the major.
Now I am trying to figure out if I should think about transferring and if yes where should I even look?
A few things to note:
I’m Jewish so I would like to be at a campus with a large Jewish community
I’m interested in potentially majoring in either math or physics and I want strong deparments in these areas
I don’t want to look into any very competitive schools
If I decide to transfer it would be for the fall 2025 semester
Transferring can be a difficult decision. Some things to consider:
Fundamentally only you know how your experience has been, what is lacking, and what the outlook is for improving the areas that are less than, should you choose stay. So, think about those things realistically.
Even if you do a lot of research on schools, transferring takes a leap of faith and bravery. You just can’t know if the new school will in fact be better than the old school. You want to be as educated as you can on the transfer schools, so visit, do transfer admissions sessions, talk to students and Hillel leaders, etc.
There is little risk to putting in some apps, and deciding later this spring whether transferring is what you want to do. But, transfer deadlines start as early as February so pay attention to those.
You might consider other schools that accepted you last year as potential transfer targets
As a transfer with only one college semester, your HS record will be important to transfer decisions. So use those stats when categorizing your transfer list.
If your GPA is low this past semester and/or if you need financial aid that can complicate things.
If you are pretty sure you will want to transfer, you will need to apply to at least one affordable safety, so that you give yourself an option come spring.
I don’t qualify for any financial aid so that’s a non-issue (and that will obviously be a factor in deciding where to apply).
My gpa from this past semester is roughly a 3.5 (I am still waiting for one prof to give me a final grade).
I did really well in high school so I think that’s a non-issue (95% average unweighted, honors and APs wherever my hs offered).
I intend to try to visit some of the places I will end up applying to (I think that might have helped me be more prepared for the annoying social stuff that I am currently finding).
I guess I am overall looking for some advice on how/what I should be thinking about when considering to transfer?
And then if I decide that it’s a good idea to seriously consider then which schools should I look into?
The more you say about what is not working for you, the more valuable the advice and recommendations posters can give. So, you said there are various ‘social pressures/norms’ that don’t work for you. Identifying those makes sense so posters can give school recs that are different…because it won’t be helpful to you if posters recommend similar schools.
These things can happen anywhere, including at a transfer school. You will have to adjust to the new school, make new friends, basically starting over. Which is ok of course.
There are hundreds of schools that have good math and physics majors. What were your HS stats?
Beyond major and Jewish population what do you want in a school? You know…size, geography, setting, vibe, etc.
Lastly, like I said above, do you have any interest in other schools that accepted you last year? That can be a good place to start. If your state flagship wasn’t in that group, is that of interest?
You have received solid advice so far, but difficult to suggest particular schools without knowing your specific issues with your current school.
OP: Any thoughts about Oberlin College ? Brandeis ? George Washington University ? (I note these schools based on your preferences and likelihood of acceptance as a transfer student.)
The more you say about what is not working for you, the more valuable the advice and recommendations posters can give. So, you said there are various ‘social pressures/norms’ that don’t work for you. Identifying those makes sense so posters can give school recs that are different…because it won’t be helpful to you if posters recommend similar schools.
The social stuff that I dislike at my current college are very college specific. I’m at Yeshiva University and the social stuff that I dislike is based on a certain set of judgment that exists between students regarding people being more/less religious. (Yeshiva is a Jewish university)
There are hundreds of schools that have good math and physics majors. What were your HS stats?
All honors/APs that were offered at my hs (with 4s and 5s on all except one of the APs), 95% gpa unweighted, 1460 SAT (770 math and 690 english).
Beyond major and Jewish population what do you want in a school? You know…size, geography, setting, vibe, etc.
I am from NY and I would like to ideally stay in the northeast. In terms of size, I like being in a small college but I also like the idea of being somewhere larger with more of a variety in students. I love the idea of being in a more suburban type of location but I also wouldn’t mine being in a city!
Lastly, like I said above, do you have any interest in other schools that accepted you last year? That can be a good place to start. If your state flagship wasn’t in that group, is that of interest?
The list of schools that I got accepted to last year (and what I think of them now):
University of Maryland (I think that I maybe should consider this again)
University of Binghamton
Stonybrook (a little closer to home that I would like)
Cooper Union (I didn’t go there because I didn’t like the Jewish community on campus and I still don’t)
Hunter College
Queen’s College
City College
Hoftsra University (I only applied because it was a pretty good option for a safety)
This can be a tough decision. In general when looking for a college or university it can be difficult to figure out which schools are likely to be a good fit for you. In transferring you have perhaps the added pressure that you want to be careful to avoid transferring to a school that is a worse fit or no better than where you already are, which is possible and has occurred. Some thoughts:
This can happen anywhere. I am glad to hear that it has been solved.
College can be a significant step up from high school. Again this can happen at a wide range of colleges and universities. Many of us need to step up our level of effort when we go to university. In many cases students want to attend highly ranked schools, which might in many cases be likely to have challenging classes. It can be difficult to know how to find a balance between “too hard” and “too easy”.
Good programs in math and physics can be found at a wide range of universities.
Some of the most highly competitive schools are very difficult to transfer into anyway. As some examples, MIT and Caltech and Chicago occur to me as particularly academically challenging schools, but are also ones that would be very difficult to transfer into.
Can you afford to be full pay at a university that costs something like $95,000/year? It would not shock me if some universities reach a cost of $100,000/year within a year or two. If this is too much, then what is your budget limit without taking on any debt?
Knowing your budget limit and home state might help us suggest some schools to at least think about.
I agree with the idea that you can apply to a few schools now, and decide whether to transfer in a few months as you are getting your admissions results back. We have occasionally seen threads here on CC from students who were wondering whether to transfer, put in a few applications, and then decided to stay where they are. This can be a positive result.
I just saw your most recent reply. The schools that you applied to make it look like you might be from New York state. The first three schools on your list might be good options. With regard to “too close to home” even if you are only 5 miles from home it can still feel like a different world as long as you are living on campus. Then if something goes wrong help can be nearby (university students do sometimes get the flu, or break up with their significant other, or run out of money). I am not sure that Cooper Union is either much larger than where you are or any less likely to have difficult classes. I do not know the other schools on your list.
U.Mass Amherst is also quite good for math and physics. U.Wisconsin is very good for mathematics (and I would expect probably also for physics). There are almost too many good choices to know where to start.
College can be a significant step up from high school. Again this can happen at a wide range of colleges and universities. Many of us need to step up our level of effort when we go to university. In many cases students want to attend highly ranked schools, which might in many cases be likely to have challenging classes. It can be difficult to know how to find a balance between “too hard” and “too easy”.
The reason that I found the courseload a little overwhelming was that I was taking 4 very intense courses and 1 easy one, and if I were to do it again I would’ve not taken one of them with the rest or with a different proffesor. This courseload happened because I was still thinking about going into chemistry so I was taking chem 1, but that was probably not the best idea. (I was also in physics 1, multivariable calculus, a difficult Jewish law course and first year writing.)
Can you afford to be full pay at a university that costs something like $95,000/year? It would not shock me if some universities reach a cost of $100,000/year within a year or two. If this is too much, then what is your budget limit without taking on any debt?
I would look very carefully at your in-state public universities. There are a lot of very good in-state public universities in NY for you to choose from, but unfortunately I am not particularly familiar with them.
I do not know whether out of state public universities such as U.Mass and UMD offer merit aid for out of state transfer students. I am pretty sure that U.Mass does in general have some merit aid for out of state students.
Regarding the number of Jewish students on-campus, I guess that I can see two or maybe three sides of this. On the one hand I got my bachelor’s degree abroad (the USA was “abroad” for me at the time), and as an international student liked getting to meet people from different countries and different cultures. Given recent events in the middle east and various related protests I can see how a Jewish student might want to be with other people who have similar views. On the other hand, as a non-Jewish person, the attack that started the current problems in Gaza has made me understand much better what Israel has been up against for so long. You will find sympathetic people from a wide range of backgrounds and from a wide range of cultures and a wide range of parts of the world (eg, some of my friends from India have similar views, although most appear to not want to talk about it). Regardless I expect that the various schools that we are discussing on this thread should most likely be okay from this perspective.
Great suggestions above. I know many people that went to your current college and many that loved it and many that didn’t. Same with Maryland.
No question that other schools might have a more diverse view on topics especially religion. You might be fine with that or maybe uncomfortable as you are now. Definitely call the Hillell /chabad directors /student’s and have a talk or Facebook etc.
Your current school is hard. No question but college isn’t easy. The schedule looks like one for engineering or actually typical college student depending on major. I would have a sit down with your advisor and come up with a plan moving forward. It’s very easy. People do change roommates. Happens all the time.
Unless I am not understanding but Maryland is above your $50,000 range being out of state. Cooper Union is small but a tough school also but great for the right person.
Brandeis also is above your threshold. But would be a great choice.
I think Binghamton and Stoney Brook, have your name on it. Save the money. I assumed you visited both and know their culture /fit for you? Use the extra money( if allowed) for study abroad or to invest in your future or… Give your parents a break of the higher costs
Several questions before making suggestions since Yeshiva University is quite unique and there are very few people on this board familiar with it… It is obviously never suggested on CC.
Are you religious?
Do you need Kosher food?
What about religious holidays and exams on Saturdays with classes Friday night?
Do you care if there would be only some Hillel on campus or do you prefer at least Chabad?
Did you go to public or private HS? (Just to get a feeling what you are looking for and your upbringing. )
Only Yeshiva and Touro provide Jewish separate gender education (as far as I know,) so both are primarily serve Orthodox community.
Do you understand that your religious credits that are required at Yeshiva will most likely not transfer?
UMD is good but there are very few religious (or even conservative )Jews there and if you know there were protests there. UMD was forced to allow protest on October 7th by court order this fall…It has relatively strong Chabad.
I have heard that Bing is a good option, but I do not have first hand experience.
You can study Math and Physics anywhere. I have feeling that fit is most important for you.
Frankly you better off find your niche in Yeshiva or explore colleges very carefully before transferring or even considering it.
UMD most likely will not be great fit.
I have heard that religious students at some colleges had difficulty with accomodations for religious holidays. Work would pile up and professors will not be flexible (grades and your mental health will have negative effect. ) One of kids we know had to drop all together because of that and attends now local community college.
Kosher food at most colleges is extremely limited (not great variety or quality.)
On most campuses Hillel and Chabad are actually for non-religious students. They are more like Jewish clubs to introduce students to Jewish culture and open to anybody.
I’m currently thinking of taking the advice of one of the previous posters to potentially apply and reevaluate closer to decision deadlines.
I’m also specifically thinking of this now because I’m currently on break so I have the time to research, write essays and get organized for applying.
A few questions:
Do people have experience with transferring specific courses? (I know that each school’s sequence in math/physics can be a little different and I don’t want to end up in a situation where I have to literally retake an entire year of school.) Also when do students find out if courses will transfer (before or after decision deadlines)?
Do schools often require recommendations from proffesors for transfer students? Or recommendations in general for transfer students?
Will I need anything from my high school besides for my transcript? Would an unofficial version work or would I need the official one? If the official one is needed, would I need it before submitting the transfer application?
It’s school dependent. Some will tell you ahead of time, even meet with you to go thru classes, while for others you won’t know until after acceptance, some even after enrollment. Look at transferology .com, but I would expect to lose credits. Look at the transfer info on each school’s website, do an online admissions session, contact the transfer AO. Even if the school takes all your credits, they might not fulfill core or major requirements which can easily add a semester.
Some do, some don’t. Go to the school websites. You can also see the transfer requirements in the common app transfer app, so get that going. Some schools have their own app though and don’t use the common app transfer app.
It doesn’t sound like UMD will be a good fit, but here’s their transfer info page:
No, that should be it. Official transcripts will generally be needed (from your college too.) For many high schools, you can send it thru parchment .com for a fee. If your HS doesn’t use parchment you have to contact the HS registrar to see what their process is.
Some schools will require official test scores too, if you are applying with your SAT score.
I noticed on the UMD transfer application information that they want me to write an essay based on the prompt
“Please describe your past academic experiences and your reasons for wishing to enroll at UMD at this point in your academic career.”
I think that for a prompt like this I shouldn’t be overly negative about my current college. How do I do that while also making sure that I explain my draw there well? Also, are these types of prompts common in transfer applications (I feel like it makes sense that it would be)?
I’m assuming that I’ll need to send in a resume/activity list of some sort, but I’ve only gotten involved 1 or 2 things at my current college, is it okay that most of my activities and stuff would be from HS? (I’m going to try to get more involved - which I think will help me determine if I should transfer - but I don’t know how involved I will be before transfer deadlines.)
It’s school dependent. Some will tell you ahead of time, even meet with you to go thru classes, while for others you won’t know until after acceptance, some even after enrollment. Look at transferology .com, but I would expect to lose credits. Look at the transfer info on each school’s website, do an online admissions session, contact the transfer AO. Even if the school takes all your credits, they might not fulfill core or major requirements which can easily add a semester.
Is there any way to determine which schools do what before applying?
No, that should be it. Official transcripts will generally be needed (from your college too.) For many high schools, you can send it thru parchment .com for a fee. If your HS doesn’t use parchment you have to contact the HS registrar to see what their process is.
I guess I’d better deal with this soon with my HS (they’re system takes a few weeks and a lot of bothering certain people for stuff to actually send).
UMD is good but there are very few religious (or even conservative )Jews there
I’m not necessarily looking for the largest Jewish community on campus, if there were around 30 religious students who were all invested in the community then that would actually probably be fine for me
If you can’t tell from the website, do an online transfer admission session and ask if they don’t cover it. If that’s not an option, contact the transfer AO/admissions department.
I would say baseline case is you won’t know which classes will transfer until after you are accepted. It can take awhile for a new school to map courses to theirs and make a decision. You may need to provide them with each class syllabus too.
Here’s what UMD says:
When will I hear back about what credits have transferred to UMD?
The transfer credit evaluation process usually begins for newly admitted students two weeks after the receipt of your admission letter. This process can continue, however, throughout your first semester. So, newly admitted students may need to begin their first semester at UMD prior to learning the status of all their prior college credits. Further questions about course credits should be addressed to Transfer Credit Services, which is the office that oversees the evaluation of undergraduate transfer courses for acceptability by UMD. It is the academic department (administering the course content) that completes the evaluation to determine the acceptability of the courses for transfer to UMD. To learn more about the transfer credit process and what courses will likely transfer, please visit the Transfer Credit Services website.