University transfer procedure

[theindianbee]

1. What is university transfer?
University transfers essentially means transferring from one university to another. Many people do this every year in the US. Most of these are either undergrads or PhD students. The main reasons for transfers, for a PhD student, is lack of research opportunities in his/her field, and/or adviser compatibility issues. Masters students also make transfers. Transfer is a good option which comes in handy during many circumstances.

2. What is the transfer procedure?
This is where many are confused. I know many who believe performing well at the current university is the key to transferring to a higher ranked university. This is completely wrong for MS students.

Here's the transfer procedure in a nutshell:

a. The transfer procedure is the same as fresh application process. You need to fill up the application form, send letter of recommendations, and transcripts.
b. You will be evaluated among the general applicant pool.

If you are admitted, you can take a transfer. The best option is to apply to the place where you want to make a transfer before you leave India. This is what I did (I was unable to apply to UT in fall).

Once you are admitted, here's what you do:
i. Get your SEVIS record transferred from your current university to the new one.
ii. Get a release from your current university.
iii. Get transfer I-20 from the new university. Join the new university.
iv. Once the SEVIS record transfer process is completed, you will be issued a "transfer complete" I20.

3. Is it possible to make transfer immediately after going to a university?
Yes. I personally know people who have done this. You should follow the same procedure as above.

4. How many credits can I transfer?
It depends, and varies among universities. Most allow 6 credits (equivalent to 2 courses) to be transferred for the MS program.

5. Whom should I get recos from if I wish to transfer?
This depends on whether you are a PhD student or a Masters student. If you are a Masters student, you are well off getting a reco from your undergrad institution. Let me explain why. Professors here typically do not give you a reco unless you have impressed them. Now to impress them, you need to take some courses under them and/or do substantial research with them. This process will involve atleast a semester (IMHO more than that). By this time, application deadlines for the coming semester would have passed. It really doesn't make sense for MS students to transfer after a year.

For PhD students, it makes sense to get recos from your adviser and other faculty. This might not be very easy - you need to have a strong reason to move to another school as a PhD student.

Hope this helps.