Transferring as a PhD student ( GRE???)

[Texas_thing]

Hello, I am a 3rd year international student at a big public university in the US. I have decided that my department is not the best setting for me and also that I want to change my field—from literature/regional studies to history. I want to re-apply or transfer into a different school/program. 1. Can you explain the differences between re-applying/transferring? 2. Will the fact that I have studied over 4 years (MA+2years in this dept and counting) in US programs increase or decrease my chances? 3. Must I take the GRE? I don’t have valid GRE scores and hate the test. Any way to bypass it? Lastly—can I take the GRE in December (given that the scores will reach the committee by the time it begins to review the applications in Feb-March??)

I greatly appreciate your help!

[sackofcrap]

Are you saying that you are already a PhD student in Literature and you want to now become a PhD student in History?

[Texas_thing]

Yes. I am willing to start from scratch; or to  finish the next/new/History program in just 3/4 years.

[kaykaykay]

If you are reapplying (to another school) you will need the GRE as it is a completely new application and you will be evaluated with everyone else, even though it is called transfer. Within your institution maybe different rules apply but no one will know them here, you should talk to your grad division about those. Most schools will accept official scores later than the deadline if you have the unofficial scores by the deadline( ask them before you burn 100$ application fee)

Edited October 18, 2015 by kaykaykay

[Texas_thing]

Thank you very much for your kind and informative answer.