Transferring PhD Programs

[BilliamNickels]

Hi Guys,

I have completed my MA at another institution, and I am completing my first year at a top 30 or so program right now. I have come to realize that the faculty at my program doesn't do what interests me any more--I have changed my research agenda quite drastically since coming here. I know that people say that you should go to the best program you can because you know that, if you do change your research, odds are you should be fine given the size/resources of the faculty. However, the program where I am just doesn't DO what I want to study.

My question is this: I could try to get my committee to meet me at least halfway (but that might not fly so well), or I could transfer departments. Which should I do? How often do people transfer from PhD programs (my own program has had a couple leave, so I know that it is common--but N=1)? What do Adcomms look for in transfer cases? (I am sorry that this is so vague.) Any help thinking this through would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, BilliamNickels

[catchermiscount]

Having transferred myself, I would encourage you to think hard about this decision. In general, if you don't feel that you have a reasonable (not ideal, but reasonable) candidate to chair a committee, then you should consider transferring. A good chair can help address these "meet halfway" issues. You can feel free to IM me with the particular details of your case on that front.

My sense from transferring was that the adcom was looking for a very good justification as to why I should leave my first department. They also wanted evidence that my time spent at the first department was fruitful, both in terms of shaping research questions and gaining methodological skills.

Transferring can often cause political problems, so if you do decide to consider transferring, bear in mind that you may be able to upgrade, but that you may have to go to a school that is slightly lower-ranked than your first department but a better fit. You don't want to have to go back to your first department with your tail between your legs, so you'll have to be willing to apply broadly. Again, we can discuss that much in private.

[kaykaykay]

I was in your situation and I decided to transfer because I felt that I had to fight an uphill battle daily in my first department. Professors were sending me to other departments because they could not help, they supported the students who did something closer to their interests (which make sense, they researched together etc), I could not find an advisor. In my SOP I emphasized the problems with the fit, and I did not have any problem with it. because the department is quite well known for their ideas. I applied during my first year and as such I managed to leave out the department completely out of the calculation. I consulted my previous letter writers, they all supported me, so I did not have to talk to profs (not that i had anyone to talk to really.).

ok so negatives: my year is completely lost. people tend to forget I was ever in a different institution because what I learned there is highly irrelevant. It was stressful that you must get an admit so as coachrjc said there is a chance you cannot move up and you should be willing to accept that, also I knew that I would have to move even if I got one opportunity. This time you have to research the universities very very carefully, because if you want to move because of the fit you have to find a place which fits. pros: I feel like a fish thrown back to the water. Fit is actually very important!

my advice: if you have a trusted former advisor or professor(outside your present environment) talk to them. grad school is frustrating so you have to be sure the problem is not in your head. ask their opinion about chances and about other departments.