Is Spring Transfer Worth It?

I am currently in a predicament. I am a rising sophomore at a non-target and trying to break into IB and recruit for SA26. 

I am currently studying economics at an in-state public school (think UCs, Rutgers), and making the efforts to break-in (internships, networking, clubs, etc). Recently, I was granted admissions to a business program with semi-target placement (think Vandy/Emory/Marshall), however I was granted admission for spring 2025 (half-way through recruitment).

I am currently trying to weigh the benefits of transferring to a school with significantly better opportunities and resources, yet at a significantly higher cost. Further, I would have to network with twice as many people (not opposed to doing it) with only half the proposed benefit. I would also be late to the game in terms of involvement in IB clubs, which I can see being a turn-off for some. 

If I stayed at my non-target, I would be spending significantly less on school, and still have a chance of breaking in. However, I find the business program super appealing, and I fall more in love with the school everyday. 

Is transferring worth it?

Thanks for the help in advance!

6 Comments
 
Most Helpful

If it’s Vandy or Marshall, do it. Emory idk.

But here’s my advice- you’ll never forgive yourself for not taking this opportunity to go to a better school. Worst comes to worst, you can re-recruit the following year.

But you also can’t be dumb about this. If you’re in a good position to recruit (good GPA, good clubs, and some connections with alumni), then stay at your current college. You can still recruit out of schools like that, not as well, but you still can. Because you definitely will be behind at new school as those schools are competitive.

So in the end, I suggest you network with everyone at your current college this next semester. Feel out your chances and even talk to some people there, they will give you good advice on this. If you think it’s doable, stay. If not, leave and see what you can do at the new school. Maybe you can start networking with their alumni now too?? That could give you a huge leg up, all you need are a few guys pushing you forward at a few firms.

 

If you love your school, I wouldn't leave. The schools you named are not so wildly compelling vs your existing school that you need to leave a school you're enjoying. You will have every opportunity to land at one from those places you named as your current school. If you put the effort in, those schools all have plenty of alums. 

If you do transfer, I would extend grad a semester. You won't be able to use your new school when networking in the fall, and if you are transferring for the recruiting opportunities, you should actually use them. Not to mention classes don't always transfer over, so another semester may make the most sense with credits anyway.

FWIW, for being highly ranked, I don't see many people from Vandy in IB - I have heard it is hard to get finance exposure there due to lack of clubs.

 

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