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[kbatulli]

I'm currently in a second tier Phd program in the Humanities and plan to submit applications this year for transferring for the next academic year. The main reason for the transfer is academic: I simply cannot be trained in my area of interest at my current institution. Coincidentally or not, places congenial to my interests happen to be top tier schools. I will need a letter of support from one of my professors at current institution, but what is the most diplomatic way of bringing this up? I haven't dropped any hints in the past, and it might come as a surprise. Will he suppose that my reason for transferring is to move to a better institution, and that my real reason -- better fit -- is a just a superficial cover up? What have your experiences been?

[systeme_d]

First, I do hope you know that transferring programs is not always easy.  Many programs in my humanities field, for example, will not accept any credits from any other programs, and will only accept students as first year PhD students, regardless of whether they've already begun a PhD program elsewhere.

Specifying your field may help us know whether this is likely to be the case for you.  How many years have you spent in your current program?  Do you hold the MA?  These may all be factors for you as you attempt to gain admission to another program.

As to your question about diplomacy:  Any decent professor will realize that you cannot pursue your subfield of interest in your current program.   When you are applying to other programs, you will likely want to supply your recommenders with a statement of purpose so that they can see first-hand your rationale for seeking admission elsewhere.

Letters of recommendation will be crucial in your case, I think.  Your professors must help to make the case that you cannot pursue your interests in your present program.

[midwestgrad]

To better help us give you advice, I think you should answer this question (and don't worry, you're anonymous): IS your real reason to move to a better program?  Is it even part of your reasoning?

If the answer is truly "no" to both of those questions, I recommend honesty and sincerity to a professor you trust and whose area of interest is closest to yours.  Who knows, you might even find that Professor What's-her-name works on these issues on the side.  

If the answer is "yes", tread cautiously, and reconsider the decision to transfer.