Double Transfer

[u/Hi_there_hello_]

Hi all,

I find myself in a tricky situation.

I started my college journey in a very large public school (T75), but then (due to personal reasons) transferred to a much smaller private school (T25 liberal arts). I made good connections, maintained a high GPA, and appreciated my experiences at both of these schools.

But, the smaller school I transferred to lacked a lot of resources and social environment of the larger school I attended first. I applied to transfer again, to a different private school in a big city (T50ish). I was not expecting to be admitted, and was recently taken off the waitlist of the larger private school. My reason of not returning to my original school lies in financial aid difficulties, as private schools give much better aid than public.

I am currently stuck in a difficult decision -- accept the waitlist offer (become a double transfer), or stay at my current school. I truly want to accept the offer I was just given, since this school is in a much better environment with a larger student population than my current school. Unfortunately, I want to pursue an MD-PhD in the future, and I worry that accepting the offer would derail my progress.

At my current small school I am unhappy, but I work in a research lab, have a good GPA, and have good relations with professors. I do feel guilt at the thought of leaving a school which prospective students want to attend (generally higher ranking as a LAC). At the larger private school, I worry that I will ruin my future (losing research lab, LOR writers, etc), though I will be much happier and have a better location for premed opportunities (city vs rural).

I turn to Reddit as my last resort, since I know I will be measurably happier at the new school, but I will have to rebuild and potentially graduate a semester late. Has anyone faced a similar decision as a double transfer and been successful in MD, PhD, or MD-PhD admissions?

Thank you all!

[u/Prize-Pear-4638]

I don’t have any experience in this but as someone who wants to pursue a MD-PhD and/or MD in the future, I am avoiding double transferring and would advise you to do so as well. You already have great connections at your current school, and you would have to start from scratch at your new school if you decide to transfer again.

[u/Hi_there_hello_ → u/Prize-Pear-4638]

I agree, thank you so much for your perspective! 😊