[Jskass]

holder of the option is the student - free to them but yes a dear cost to the universities.

The first transfer free has created what we investors refer to as a free option. This can be affect one's initial choice (I'll go for some school knowing I can always transfer if it doesn't meet my fantasy expectations) or once in school (I'll see what else is there - no harm no foul - if I am not 100% pleased). 

I'm not so sure free is really free.  The school you are leaving has no choice but to try and fill your spot from the portal. Now maybe Stanford's current transfer policy won't allow filling spots from the portal, but if Stanford really wants to compete in this brand new world, it almost has to recruit the portal.

[Jskass]

holder of the option is the student - free to them but yes a dear cost to the universities.

The first transfer free has created what we investors refer to as a free option. This can be affect one's initial choice (I'll go for some school knowing I can always transfer if it doesn't meet my fantasy expectations) or once in school (I'll see what else is there - no harm no foul - if I am not 100% pleased). 

I'm not so sure free is really free.  The school you are leaving has no choice but to try and fill your spot from the portal. Now maybe Stanford's current transfer policy won't allow filling spots from the portal, but if Stanford really wants to compete in this brand new world, it almost has to recruit the portal.