is it possible to transfer to a better phd program?

**econ2011abc** · 03-28-2011, 11:54 PM

I asked several people about this question and ended up getting different answers.

Agreed that it is possible to transfer. It indeed happened. Someone transfered from SUNY to UPenn...

However, are you going to ask the professors in your program to write recommendation letters?? It is just like when you plan job-hopping and it is difficult to ask your original boss to recommend for you.

Especially if you got some financial assistantship, such as TA, etc. Does it mean you can never transfer? However, some people wants to transfer because it will enhance your probability to get a great job after graduation.

**OneArmedEcon** · 03-29-2011, 01:45 AM

If you search this forum, you'll find a number of past threads that deal with this question.

Bottom-line: it may be possible, but attitudes toward transferring are very idiosyncratic between individual professors, much less departments. FWIW, I really can't imagine attempting it if for no other reason than you couldn't pay me enough money to go through the first year courses a second time.

**TomRod** · 03-29-2011, 05:23 PM

Ace your first semester course. No excuses. If you can't do this, getting to a better school is highly unlikely.
Have a solid research agenda or else transferring really won't happen. Perhaps talk with some profs over the summer concerning the frontier of their fields and determine if that field suits you. Then frame your research application.
Discuss with professors openly about halfway through the semester concerning your desires
Don't be a jerk about it.
Recognize that it might not happen.
Apply at the end of the first semester.

You may want to ask yourself why you want to switch to a better ranked program. What about the current program you are in cannot meet your needs or research agenda? Or, can your research agenda fit well with the program you are currently attending? Rank doesn't matter as much as tier on the job market.

No one will fault you for wanting to do the best you can. Everyone will fault you if you snub them. Be judicious and entrepreneurial.