<p>first of all, let me say that I am an enthusiastic U Chicago parent. I think it is a perfect school for my son, who is extremely happy there.</p>
<p>that said, I would like to ask OP one important question: are you are a CA resident? If so, transferring from Berkeley to U Chicago will come at an extreme high price tag. well over $100K for remaining 3 years (or bit less for 2.5 year or 2 year depending on the timing of transfer). Unless your parents can pay this difference out of pocket with no sweat, this is a very, very high financial burden, either as a student loan on your part or a drain on your parents’ savings for their own retirement. </p>
<p>After all, Berkeley is not some unknown university in the middle of nowhere. It’s an internationally renowned academic powerhouse. I don’t know why you are so unhappy at Berkeley, but if it is because large class sizes and lack of faculty interaction etc, it should get better as you start taking upper level courses in your major.</p>
<p>If you are an OOS student, the financial equation works out more or less the same. Even so, there is a fairly high “opportunity cost” of transferring to a different school.</p>
<p>My advice is, sit down and think carefully why you want to transfer, what you do an do not like at Berkeley, etc. Whatever improvement you think you will get for your college experience at U Chicago should be measured against the “cost” (not just financial, but all other issues) of making such a huge change.</p>
<p>Also, remember that U Chicago may not be that perfect place for you. In such a case, it will be real shame, won’t it?</p>