3 answers
Tanisha
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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Will transferring college affect med apps?
I'm looking forward to medical school and now I'm an incoming freshman at an university. If I transfer to another university next year, which would technically be--I will start my sophomore year from another university---will this affect my med application in any way? Research? Professors? Classes?
FYI, I'm an A student and will be able to deal with the classes, but med apps require other parts other than just maintaining GPA. But let me tell you that the university I will be transferring to has a good name and is reputable when compared to the university I'm currently enrolled in.
~North Carolina, USA
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3 answers
Wala'a B
Healthcare and Student Succeses Advocate
10
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Wala'a’s Answer
Peace, Tanisha,
I hope you're doing great!
Transferring schools won't affect your chances or applications, so there's no need to worry.
Research:
If you start a research project at University 1, you might need to pause it when you move to University 2. Building strong relationships with your professors is key to finding research opportunities at your new school. Consider reaching out to professors at University 2 as you get closer to transferring. In your emails, introduce yourself, mention your major, explain why you're interested in their lab, and share your future goals. A nice touch is to read one of their papers and mention something specific you found interesting. If you don't hear back in about four business days, it's okay to send a follow-up email, as professors can be very busy.
Professors:
If you're starting as a freshman at University 1, don't worry about changing schools affecting your relationships. Most students are still adjusting to college life, so it's a great time to make connections with instructors if you choose to.
Classes:
Pay attention to which classes will transfer between University 1 and University 2, especially if the second school has stricter requirements. Introductory and prerequisite classes are likely to transfer, but it's a good idea to meet with an advisor to confirm this before finalizing your schedule.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions!
Good luck! You got this!
I hope you're doing great!
Transferring schools won't affect your chances or applications, so there's no need to worry.
Research:
If you start a research project at University 1, you might need to pause it when you move to University 2. Building strong relationships with your professors is key to finding research opportunities at your new school. Consider reaching out to professors at University 2 as you get closer to transferring. In your emails, introduce yourself, mention your major, explain why you're interested in their lab, and share your future goals. A nice touch is to read one of their papers and mention something specific you found interesting. If you don't hear back in about four business days, it's okay to send a follow-up email, as professors can be very busy.
Professors:
If you're starting as a freshman at University 1, don't worry about changing schools affecting your relationships. Most students are still adjusting to college life, so it's a great time to make connections with instructors if you choose to.
Classes:
Pay attention to which classes will transfer between University 1 and University 2, especially if the second school has stricter requirements. Introductory and prerequisite classes are likely to transfer, but it's a good idea to meet with an advisor to confirm this before finalizing your schedule.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions!
Good luck! You got this!
Thank you, Wala'a for the advice. Really means a lot!!
Tanisha
Madison Buchman
doctor
160
Answers
West Hartford
Updated
Madison’s Answer
No you can absolutely do this! In fact this is likely not uncommon. First off, prior to even transferring schools, you want to check is that the hours from the first college will still transfer appropriately to your medical school applications and more importantly to the new college so that you get your degree but very very unlikely for them to not count them! Make sure that you don't need to RE take anything to meet pre-med criteria or criteria for your major at your new school. Talk to an admissions counselor at the new school or a counselor within your major of study. I would also note that certainly there is SOME sort of biased (hard to say how much) towards med schools maybe considering bigger/tougher reputation wise universities/prestige when they compare students w/ similar GPAs etc. though of course many many students at smaller colleges get into great medical schools. I recommend also early on talking to new professors at the new school, let them know you transferred and any concerns you have about their classes and if they have any advice/recommendations for mentorship or tutors. Professors WANT to see you succeed. NEVER be afraid to ask for help! I would also find a few clubs/organization groups to get involved in on campus, see if they have leadership roles you could get into too.
Hope this helps!!
Madison
Hope this helps!!
Madison
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
1093
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Tanisha,
No worries, changing university will not affect your med school applications. People change universities all the time for varying reasons. Expect to be asked about it though when/if you are interviewed.
You'll mostly do general courses and gen ed in your first year, but talk to your academic advisors at both universities about transfer of credits. Arrange your courses and time-table so that you take courses that will transfer to the new school. Maintain a strong GPA and prepare for the MCAT.
The other things that med schools pay attention to will come at your new school. You need excellent recommendation letters from your professors. So, make sure they'll remember you. Find out if there are formal undergraduate research programs that you can participate in. If not, contact individual faculty members who do interesting research and ask if you could join their team as an undergraduate. It doesn't have to be medical research. Look in Chemistry or Biology as well.
You'll also need to build a record of medical experience. Look for opportunities to work at a hospital or a doctor's office and do internships or summer programs. If you are in a pre-med program, they should be able to assist you in finding opportunities. If there is a pre-med society/club at your school, get involved and take advantage of the knowledge they have. I left some links to national organizations for you below as well.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Khan Academy MCAT prep: https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat
National Pre-Medical Association: https://www.nprema.org/
American Medical Student Association: https://www.amsa.org
No worries, changing university will not affect your med school applications. People change universities all the time for varying reasons. Expect to be asked about it though when/if you are interviewed.
You'll mostly do general courses and gen ed in your first year, but talk to your academic advisors at both universities about transfer of credits. Arrange your courses and time-table so that you take courses that will transfer to the new school. Maintain a strong GPA and prepare for the MCAT.
The other things that med schools pay attention to will come at your new school. You need excellent recommendation letters from your professors. So, make sure they'll remember you. Find out if there are formal undergraduate research programs that you can participate in. If not, contact individual faculty members who do interesting research and ask if you could join their team as an undergraduate. It doesn't have to be medical research. Look in Chemistry or Biology as well.
You'll also need to build a record of medical experience. Look for opportunities to work at a hospital or a doctor's office and do internships or summer programs. If you are in a pre-med program, they should be able to assist you in finding opportunities. If there is a pre-med society/club at your school, get involved and take advantage of the knowledge they have. I left some links to national organizations for you below as well.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Karin recommends the following next steps: