@turbosloth - I would say a summer program probably isn’t indicative of the actual atmosphere while school is in session, and sometimes reputations don’t really hit home with everyone. One person might find it cutthroat while another doesn’t. BUT, the good thing there is that you enjoyed it (Cornell) mostly (not big city). Columbia sounds like a good target for you then considering your preferences. Depending on what you mean by “close to home”, UPenn might also fit. I don’t know about Biology programs at either though. Good luck!