Should I apply as a spring transfer?

monydad
Mon, 28 Sep 2020 19:46:11 +0000

If you feel done where you are, and want to get started in your new place as soon as possible, a spring transfer can work out. But be aware there may be some additional challenges vs starting in the fall.

Socially most people have already made their connections. Even transfers have, since most started in the fall.

Extracurricularly, many clubs, jobs, etc stocked themselves in the Fall. There may be fewer opportunities for competitive clubs, fewer openings for leadership positions.

Course selection (most returning students will have already registered before you get to), research positions, may also be challenging.

Housing you are left with whatever is leftover from people who left, basically.

One advantage of Cornell is that it probably has a comparatively large (though still much smaller than in the fall) transfer cohort in the spring.

I guess an advantage of starting in the spring is that you will have a semester under your belt there before you start your major junior year.

BTW a lot of schools don’t allow transfers into spring semester.

All my comments above are from observing my D2, which was well before COVID. The situation/advantages/ disadvantages may be different now.