"Do I Really Deserve to Be Here?" Impostor Phenomenon and Transfer Student Sense of Belonging

• In Event: Transitional Experiences Into and Through College

Abstract

Sense of belonging is a complex and significant factor associated with student success. Yet, there have been few inquiries into sense of belonging among the transfer student population. In this multi-site case study, we interviewed 52 transfer students to examine transfer student sense of belonging situated within the framework of impostor phenomenon. Findings suggest that transfer students internalized their failures, especially within the first semester at their receiving institution, which had a negative impact on belonging. However, transfers strengthened their academic sense of belonging by acknowledging their institution’s perceived prestige and competitive admissions standards.

Authors

• Jeffrey Mayo, University of Texas at Austin

• Catherine Hartman, North Carolina State University

• Isaac Y. Portillo, University of Georgia