Hello all,
Looking for recommendations on where to transfer to. I’m a first year student attending a top LAC, and I want to transfer to a big research university to be able to take graduate classes in algebra. My GPA is poor (2.9) due to health issues I didn’t appeal. Thanks.
1 Like
Big research universities are not the only places where you can take grad courses in Algebra. For example, Wesleyan, a top LAC, offers a PhD in Math and their graduate course offerings include courses in Algebra.
As for transferring, you’ll probably have a tough time transferring to a top research university with a 2.9 gpa. But what’s the rush? It’s unlikely that you’ll be taking graduate level courses as a sophomore. Why not concentrate on getting your gpa up and revisiting this question in a year?
5 Likes
Can you do a study abroad / be a visiting student at an R1 for your last year or two?
1 Like
Seems like the OP is a lopsided student highly advanced in math but not in other subjects, and is at a LAC that is not one of the few with a good selection of upper level and graduate level math courses. With a 2.9 college GPA, transferring into such a LAC (like Wesleyan, Williams, or Harvey Mudd) is unlikely.
On the other hand, there are research universities with graduate level math offerings that are not that hard to transfer into, such as Arizona State University that admits transfer applicants with a 2.50 college GPA (but under 24 credits also needs to meet frosh admission requirements including high school course work with a 3.0 HS GPA or high enough SAT or ACT score).
5 Likes
http://www.ams.org/find-graduate-programs?inst_name=&prog_type=PHD&phds_awarded_gl=greater&phds_awarded=20&country_code=&submitAction=advancedSearch - here is a list of institutions which have awarded more than 20 math PhDs last year, which is a signal for the breadth of graduate coursework. Many are not particularly selective for undergrads.
One issue would be getting permission to take graduate classes - research how flexible or inflexible the department is in that regard.
Most of the 13 listed universities are selective for undergrads.
Among the listed schools, U Texas at Dallas, U Conn, & U Illinois at Chicago might be options for OP’s son.
What’s your home state?
Transferring directly to a top flagship-level university may be tough with just one semester of college grades on record, and a sub-3.0 GPA. If you’re sure you don’t want to stay at the LAC, your best path forward may be to come home and attend a local community college with an established transfer pathway. Many students have done this successfully. Especially with health issues in the mix, this might end up being the best way to regroup and move forward. What level of math are you in currently?
Are there any research universities that you were admitted to before deciding to attend the LAC, and that you would now be interested in attending? If so, it could be worth speaking to their admissions offices to see whether there’s any path for you to transfer in; it’s more likely that you’ll have to apply like every other transfer applicant, but occasionally there are options for a recently-accepted student.
1 Like
Also Stony Brook
I’m sorry to hear about the challenges you’ve faced. If your health issues affected your GPA, some universities might take that into account if you explain it in your application. You could look into mid-tier research universities with strong math programs, like UIUC, Purdue, or UMass Amherst, which might offer flexibility. Also, consider speaking with professors at your current LAC about possible research opportunities or grad-level coursework before transferring. Wishing you the best in finding a place that supports your academic goals!