I think most kids learn to love their initial school once there and don’t want to deal with the hassle of transfer.

I know 2-3 kids EVERY year that transfer into UVA after freshman year. They go to schools like Vermont, South Carolina, JMU, etc then switch for 2nd year. It doesn’t appear that hard. These were in state kids that didn’t make the cut straight out of high school.

I know a kid that is transferring to NYU from a low-ish ranked private school. I know she was accepted and is going to NYU in the fall - not sure her stats or even really why.

I think it can work out, but I'd be hesitant to go into a school year hoping to transfer - I don't think this girl did that. Seems like you would be setting yourself up for failure.

I did it. A long time ago. Worked out great.

Graduated on deans list, stretched my wings, was better credentialed when applying to grad school eight years later.

I transferred from a state school (not the state flagship) to a Jesuit college after my freshman year. I had gone to a Catholic HS and my mom couldn't afford any Catholic colleges. The state school was so easy. It was easier than my HS classes. I finally was able to transfer when my dad agreed to chip in so tuition. That and living at home made it doable financially. It was a great decision. I finally felt challenged by the work and made a few good friends.

OP what are your specific questions? Are you asking if this transfer ever happens? Of course it does. I know someone transferring from the college of Charleston to UVA.

A kid in the neighborhood went to GW and transferred to Georgetown. He obviously had to get excellent grades while at GW and it worked out find.

My daughter transferred from the University of South Carolina to UVA. She didn’t get into to UVA right out of high school, but reapplied. It was a much better fit for her culturally and academically. She’s fine very well. Her major changed over her time at UVA. She started with wanting to do business, then economics. She will graduate in two weeks with a BA in international relations and women and gender studies. She will start work the day after graduation in the DC office of a global PR and marketing agency.

I’m surprised there are no responses to this post. This seems like a reasonable aspiration for many, especially in the pandemic/test-optional world. Unfortunately, I don’t have such a case, so I have nothing to share, but I thought a post might re-elevate a good question.

Title says it all. Thank you.