<p>Currently have a a 3.9 at the University of Rochester and have lingering thoughts about transferring. I like it here, but feel I’m not being challenged very much and that the University’s name recognition is pretty poor (in my opinion its really underrated, but thats beside the point). I’ll go into the Navy as an officer after graduation and probably won’t leave active duty for 8ish years. From there, I’ll probably go to graduate school.</p>
<p>Since I won’t be applying to jobs/grad schools for at least 5 years after graduating (probably more) does the institution I graduated from make much of a difference, or will employers/grad schools look more at my experiences in the navy? The schools I’ve thought about transferring to are Tufts,Cornell,Northwestern, and Duke. Is this even really a good reason to transfer?</p>
<p>Would you be transferring as a Junior or a Sophomore?</p>
<p>I don’t think name recognition is the strongest reason for transferring, especially because there isn’t <em>that</em> big of a difference between Rochester and the ones you listed.</p>
<p>Another question is what major you are pursuing and whether it is relevant to your Navy career. Does Rochester not have that major? I would not be so concerned with whether the university is “challenging” since that is mostly dependent on what YOU do. You can find challenges in any university that is accredited, just look for the right courses and push yourself.</p>
<p>Frankly, the only reason to transfer is if the major you want is not at your school or if you are definitely unhappy at the school for any number of reasons.</p>
<p>8-ish years after graduation with a Navy Officer career behind you, the name on your undergraduate diploma will barely matter at all.</p>
<p>If you don’t feel particularly challenged in your classes, then you need to take a long hard look at the other opportunities at your university. What do the upper-division courses in your major look like? What kinds about independent studies and/or research with faculty members?</p>