You don’t need the prestige of an Ivy to do a PhD. But if you want to apply to an Ivy, then great - but like all - have back up schools.
Here is the PhD feeder list. If you go to the right side, you’ll see the per capita - so who is placing a higher percentage.
If one doesn’t apply, they can’t get in. I agree with the high aim part - but as long as you have an assured and affordable, you are good. Are you on looking in Philly? Then if so, add Juniata, Ursinus, St. Joe, Lasalle, West Chester…whomever is local or close enough.
UPenn admitted 145 of 4521 transfer applicants last year - so are you getting in? Statistically not - but again, you have 0% if you don’t apply.
Swat admitted 0 of 345 apps - yep, 0 per CDS - and they note due to space concerns - the exact wording as published - “Because of space concerns, no offers of admission were able to be made to transfer applicants.”
I agree with talking to your transfer advisor and you might talk to you Penn. You’ve probably seen the link below. Also know, there are cost factors - it’s near $100K a year unless you receive aid.
Definitely talk to folks, etc. but nothing wrong with having high aspirations as long as you have someone on the other end of the barbell acceptance and affordability wise.
Not in Philly but Dickinson and Gettysburg make the top feeder list per capita…as does Penn which is lower than both.
You might also talk to departments at the different schools (like Juniata, etc. - are they sending kids to PhD…what type of supports are there to do so, etc.).
Good luck in your journey.