A Conversation with Minerva Transfer Student Hailey

What university did you transfer from, and what motivated you to make the switch to Minerva?
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I actually have a full degree from Rice University, so I’m not exactly a transfer student, per se. But after graduating, I finished Rice and realised that I remembered very little about the things that were taught to me. I’d memorized content for exams, passed my classes, and moved on… but most of it didn’t stick. I wanted a second chance at undergrad, to do it differently, and better.

Initially, I planned to pursue a Ph.D., but I wasn’t eligible for the programs I was interested in because I lacked a computer science background. That’s when I decided to pursue a second undergraduate degree, this time focused on Computer Science. Minerva stood out because it addressed the very problem I felt existed in my first degree. Plus, I was already living a nomadic lifestyle, so the global rotation just made sense. A friend of mine actually described Minerva as my personality made into a school, and that description has held true. 

How did you adjust to Minerva’s unique academic model?
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I genuinely loved it. Minerva’s active learning and project-based approach filled in the gaps left by my previous education. Instead of memorizing material for exams and forgetting it later, I’m learning by doing, and that’s made all the difference.

What’s been the biggest difference between Rice University and Minerva?
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At Rice, deep engagement was mostly limited to honors courses. Standard classes often felt like they were just preparing students to pass exams. There was more subject variety at Rice, I took courses in linguistics and religious studies that aren’t available at Minerva, but the approach to learning didn’t encourage long-term retention or critical thinking in the same way. Minerva’s model focuses more on application and depth. 

How do you feel about not having a traditional campus?
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There are some things I miss, like a gym or a single, central space for student life, but not having a campus has pushed me to engage with each city much more. At Rice, most of my social experience was through a couple of student clubs. At Minerva, the city becomes the campus, and that’s led to a much broader and more meaningful experience.

Have your academic habits changed?
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Definitely. This time, I’ve been more intentional. Due to my regret about not really learning after finishing Rice, I approached Minerva quite a bit differently and took it a lot more seriously. I spend more time doing the work and recording the key facts and details that I want to remember so that I can review them. Combined with Minerva’s active learning model, this has allowed me to retain significantly more than I did during my time at Rice.

How do you feel about the global opportunities and connections Minerva offers?
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Minerva has dramatically expanded my worldview. I had lived abroad before, but traveling alone isn’t the same as doing it in a structured, community-oriented environment. Through local events and meaningful conversations with residents, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of the places I live. The international student body has also taught me a lot, it’s a daily reminder of how much diversity there is in the world. It’s even changed my long-term plans; I no longer see myself returning to live in the U.S. 

How do you feel about your decision to join Minerva?
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There are moments that I feel like I may be crazy for wanting to do undergrad a second time… my mother sure thinks so… but I am actually really happy that I did it, but overall, I’m really glad I made the decision. The experiences I’ve had, the relationships I’ve built, and the personal growth I’ve gone through have all made it more than worth it. 

What advice would you give to someone considering transferring to Minerva?
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Minerva isn’t for everyone. The workload is demanding, and the global rotation adds an extra layer of complexity. But for people who are serious about learning, who want to think critically, engage deeply, and get out of their comfort zone, it’s incredibly rewarding. The skills you gain here are fundamentally different from those in traditional university settings. They’re the kind that actually stay with you.

If you were inspired by Hailey’s story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, start your Minerva application today.

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