Should I stay or should I transfer?

vinceh
Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:09:40 +0000

How many Econ classes have you taken? 2? 3? All introductory level classes in any subject are virtually identical at any school you will attend. Supply/Demand curves do not change from university to university.
What made you decide to attend USC in the first place? USC’s and the Economics department’s prestige hasn’t changed much in the last 9 months so your concerns about perceived prestige in your homeland shouldn’t be very different than they were last September.
Internal transfer into Marshall is difficult because it is a well-regarded program. Attempting to transfer to the schools on your list will likely be even more difficult, so if you’re concerned about getting into Marshall, it’s difficult to be too optimistic about your chances at these other schools.


I’m not trying to talk you into staying at USC. People do transfer out every year, though with a 97% retention rate most students are obviously pleased with their USC decisions. I think it’s naive to base your assessment of the Economics department on a couple of intro level classes. If you want to try for a Business degree then go for it, though it doesn’t come across to me that you’re truly passionate about the idea.

If your’re chasing prestige as defined by others you’ll be running for the rest of your life. You need to find the place that is best suited to give you the best opportunity to succeed, not the place others think you should go. If you’re unhappy then transfer, just don’t assume that happiness is waiting for you on some other, more “prestigious”, campus. You make your life, not others.