switching schools

[SeanDDavies]

How hard is it to switch schools once you are already in a program? Is it frowned upon? Does it make you look better since you are already at a school to try to get in at another school?

[nugget]

This depends (answer to your first question). It does not make you look good to switch mid-program. Instead you may come across as not knowing what you want to do career and research-wise and some people might not be too happy with you.

 

Are you in a PhD or an MA program and which year are you in? Do not expect that you will be able to able to transfer all of your courses over when you changes schools. This might not happen and you might need to take some extra courses in order to meet program requirements. It might also get awkward asking for references. Again, I ask what year you are in because if you are still in your first year, you may still be able to to ask some of the references you used to get into your current program to help you out again. It could get sticky asking your current supervisor for a reference though. Do you have a legitimate reason that you are willing to share when you have that discussion with this person or do you just not like your current program or school?    

Edited March 7, 2015 by jenste

[tha1ne]

How hard is it to switch schools once you are already in a program? Is it frowned upon? Does it make you look better since you are already at a school to try to get in at another school?

 

I did it. Not only did I switch schools, I also transferred to a different branch of psychology. I think if you have a good reason for doing so, people won't look down on you. Just make sure you are doing things in your best professional interest!

[LebaneseKafta]

My friend did this, although it's quite difficult with all the logistics involved and probably will set you back maybe a term or two its very possible. She was in the second term of her first year of MA and her and her supervisor were not getting along and she did not like the research area she was in. She informed her advisor and even met with the dean about what she could do, they said she could switch supervisors but not the area she was accepted into. She contacted a PI at another school and explained the situation etc. etc. and she applied the following year and got in and switched over, but was set back for her thesis because she had to start over again but not courses cause they carried over. I think it comes down to WHY you think its necessary to switch as to if it will make you look bad or not. As to how hard it is, it depends how far along you are in the current program, for her it was a lot easier cause it was only her first year, but if you're in like 3rd year PhD that would be quite a lot more difficult.

Edited March 7, 2015 by LebaneseKafta

[SeanDDavies]

Here's the thing... I got admitted into a program but it wasn't my first choice. The advisor is perfect. The program... idk. Everyone keeps telling me that worse comes to worse I could transfer after a year. These people are not in the same field so I don't know if I should listen to their advice. 

[ed_psy]

Here's the thing... I got admitted into a program but it wasn't my first choice. The advisor is perfect. The program... idk. Everyone keeps telling me that worse comes to worse I could transfer after a year. These people are not in the same field so I don't know if I should listen to their advice. 

 

Do you find yourself a fit into the program? Do you like the program? I have a friend who applied to programs thinking I just need to get into wherever I can get and then she regretted it because the program did not have what she wanted and the worst scenario she did not do well and ended up withdrawing after a year and a half. I think you should talk to your advisor about your situation and see what he/she think. If you do not like the program then you should withdraw instead of dragging it into another year. Interest, fit, and commitment is important too. You want to do what fit your interests, but at the same time you want to be happy with it too   .

[SeanDDavies]

The program has what I want. Fit.. in some areas yes and in others I dont know. It's hard to tell from only one visit. The reason why I'm so torn about it is probably because I really thought I would get in to my first choice so when I visited the other school I wasn't thinking too much about it.