Transfer Question ... Regarding Financial Issues

[archsoutherner]

Hi, this is my first post after just reading a lot of other posts on this subject. I'm having financial difficulties at the grad school that I'm at. I'm really maxing out my loans unfortunately, and I'm from out of state at my university (which is a really prestigious one in the South). (I'm keeping this general because I like the school, but I have to keep my options open--unfortunately).

When I came into the school, my GREs were good but not the absolute best, and as a result, I didn't get really any funding at all when I came in--so I'm paying this all with student loans. I'm just scared that they're going to eventually run out. Right now after about four semesters in a design program, I have about a 3.9 GPA, I'm active in the university, and am liked by the professors, but for some reason, I just never get a GRA/GA/GT position--even though I really have an idea that I want to teach eventually.

Do you think that it would be wise for me to think about transferring? I'm an out-of-state student so my costs are high compared to other students that are in my class. I really like the university that I'm at, but I realize that because of my initial application--there is no way that they would give me funding (at least I suspect), because everyone is at a crunch here. Do you think that the university that I applied to would look unfavorably at that? What would you think my potential of getting in another University would be?

I know I could get some stellar recommendations, and I know that my professors here would be really disappointed which is why I don't want to give out that much information. So, I'm sorry for being so general.

[ktel]

Could you use this as a bargaining tool to maybe get some funding? I think honesty would be important in this situation. You should be up front with whoever could help you (professor, department employee) about the fact that you need funding here or you will be forced to go elsewhere. If they don't pull through for you, perhaps that means it's a good idea that you're leaving. I doubt they would begrudge you too much if you obviously can't afford it.

[runonsentence]

I'd first ask about getting funding where you are—go directly to the administration yourself, and also try talking to faculty who you think will be sympathetic. Faculty can sometimes be really helpful allies in fighting for something within a department, and you indicate that you seem to get on well with them.

How many years do you have left in your program?

[nehs]

Hi there!

I totally understand your situation, this is a difficult thing to handle. I went through a similar thought process recently. Infact, my 'dream'

school would be costing me a few courses re-work if I transfer and so I decided against it.

In your case, you are already in your 'dream' school. So the first step should be talking to the financial aid,Dept etc as has already been mentioned here. But, before you do that, research your options because if your school cannot help you then you should have some options to fall back upon.

If that does not work then promptly think of transferring out. Are you in a MS/MA program or PhD? also, you need to check how many of your credits would get accepted. Try to go in-state, that will save a LOT of money and will be a huge relief.

Good Luck!

[2400]

I had a similar experience during my MA -- I started with just a little bit in scholarship money and a work study position. In my first year, I got a really high GPA and went to my advisor and asked him if there were any scholarships I might qualify for in the next year. I emphasised my GPA and the internships and work study I had been doing. My advisor put me on a list of students to be considered for scholarships. I then went to the financial aid office and met in person with the financial aid officer. I explained my situation and asked if there was anything I could apply for or be considered for. I am not sure if this approach made the difference, but I did end up getting a summer fellowship and increased scholarship money the next year. I felt that meeting the financial aid officer in person was key. It's definitely worth a try before you look into transferring.

One more thought -- does your school offer tuition remission if you work in an administrative position? This might also be an option.