Possible fix for the long term: Each graduate program reserves 1 spot for grad transfer athletes only. Most of them go unfilled each year but when situations like this arise, as long at the transfer is qualified and could succeed, no other more "qualified" individual gets rejected, and it makes it far easier to accept grad transfer athletes that meet the standard. From a purely academic standpoint that might help. If qualified let's get these types of kids in, it will change their lives.