We have two kids in college now and one in grad school. The oldest transferred and it turned out to be a great decision for him. Just offhand I can think of maybe 1/2 dozen friends of his and our other kids who transferred for the following reasons:

1) didn't like social life;
2) wanted a different major;
3) didn't like social life and wanted a different major (3 students -- including my DC);
4) didn't like rural setting;
5) roommate situation was horrible and wanted a different major.

All of these young people seem to be pretty happy with their decision to transfer.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering if anyone here has a DK that decided to transfer and how that went. What reason did your DK have and how did the transfer go if they went forward with it?

Our DK considering moving from 1 public LAC to another public LAC of similar size but more rigorous. DK went to a private HS and has now realized the amazing education and intellectual environment and is missing it at current college.

I did. Same reasons. Applied to a much stronger more well-known school. Got in. Didn't go because parents didn't want me to go so far away and it was more expensive. Big Mistake. If your kid goes to all the trouble and gets in - let them go if they can.

Yes, new poster here. Kid did not get into top choice colleges so is now working hard for As and hopes to transfer.

OP here, thanks for sharing.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering if anyone here has a DK that decided to transfer and how that went. What reason did your DK have and how did the transfer go if they went forward with it?

Our DK considering moving from 1 public LAC to another public LAC of similar size but more rigorous. DK went to a private HS and has now realized the amazing education and intellectual environment and is missing it at current college.

I did. Same reasons. Applied to a much stronger more well-known school. Got in. Didn't go because parents didn't want me to go so far away and it was more expensive. Big Mistake. If your kid goes to all the trouble and gets in - let them go if they can.

Yes, new poster here. Kid did not get into top choice colleges so is now working hard for As and hopes to transfer.

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering if anyone here has a DK that decided to transfer and how that went. What reason did your DK have and how did the transfer go if they went forward with it?

Our DK considering moving from 1 public LAC to another public LAC of similar size but more rigorous. DK went to a private HS and has now realized the amazing education and intellectual environment and is missing it at current college.

I did. Same reasons. Applied to a much stronger more well-known school. Got in. Didn't go because parents didn't want me to go so far away and it was more expensive. Big Mistake. If your kid goes to all the trouble and gets in - let them go if they can.

I wanted to but did study abroad for a year at a large university in a large city instead instead.

Anonymous wrote:They all think about transferring after a year or two.

Really? I would think the normal inertia is to stay put (i.e.,
not move, have to make all new friends, gain a whole new set of academic requirements, write new rounds of essays, etc).

I would think that a kid considering this is pretty unhappy and disillusioned, and should be supported.

Thanks for the replies. It’s definitely up to DK. Not sure a change will happen, but definitely considering it.

To the snarky poster, all universities aren’t full of kids there for serious academic pursuits. And FWIW our family found private school to be heads above our local HS. DK attended both so had an actual comparison. Each to her/his own.

Mine did after first semester. We even went to visit UVA, where many of kids friends ended up (the reason for considering transfer, I think). Eventually decided against it, and has spent this year hanging out (socially distant) with UVA friends as they all do remote learning from home.

They all think about transferring after a year or two.

Anonymous wrote:Just wondering if anyone here has a DK that decided to transfer and how that went. What reason did your DK have and how did the transfer go if they went forward with it?

Our DK considering moving from 1 public LAC to another public LAC of similar size but more rigorous. DK went to a private HS and has now realized the amazing education and intellectual environment and is missing it at current college.

Which school are they at now, and which are they considering transferring to?

OP you all need to re-evaluate

Yes, students change colleges all the time. For many many reasons.

Going from one "Public LAC to another one" for "intellectual environment is a bizarre statement.

Have her figure out what major/career she wants then find the school that fits that and her personality. Of course, some students do not like their first school.

The whole my private school was a better education is ridiculous at best.

I did. My parents insisted on me going to a small school in the middle of no where. I had friends but it was a commuter school and I hated it. Transferred to a large public school and much preferred it. Let your child choose and don't make it about your wishes and wants.

Just wondering if anyone here has a DK that decided to transfer and how that went. What reason did your DK have and how did the transfer go if they went forward with it?

Our DK considering moving from 1 public LAC to another public LAC of similar size but more rigorous. DK went to a private HS and has now realized the amazing education and intellectual environment and is missing it at current college.