<p>JHS, I believe a student might want to transfer from Michigan (or another top public) to Yale (or another uber-selective) on the basis of peer group. Yes, the tippy top students at any state flagship will be similar in intellect, achievement, and ambition to students at Yale and its peer schools. But after that, the quality of the peer group at the public declines markedly in comparison with the peer group at Yale. The middle of the pack at Michigan is just not the same as the middle of the pack at Yale.</p>
<p>It’s not about academic opportunities. It’s about having like-minded peers with whom to take advantage of those opportunities. </p>
<p>I agree with other posters who say if you weren’t a viable candidate for Yale in high school, it is highly unlikely that you’ll be a viable transfer candidate.</p>