<p>I am a Guaranteed Transfer to Cornell University in the Spring of 2009, which basically means I will have to attend another college for the first 1.5 years.</p>
<p>I have been accepted into Hamilton College and William & Mary. Does it make sense to leave one of those places and go to Cornell for the remaining 2.5 years, or will that ruin my pre-med track?</p>
<p>I would like to end up in a top medical school so I can become an ophthalmologist.</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>I suspect that most GT's to Cornell end up not transferring. Not only is it a big hassle to transfer, you will probably find that you love your undergrad institution. That said, you actually have a great opportunity here. Take intro bio and gen chem at whatever institution you'll be going to and then transfer for sophomore year. That way you can avoid some of the weeder courses at Cornell. But, no, going to Hamilton or W&M instead of Cornell will not place you at any disadvantage.</p>
<p>As for the "top med school" and "ophthalmologist" aspirations, I won't say anything since I'd probably just make a mean and sarcastic comment anyway.</p>
<p>I'll play devils advocate here. Will it put me at an advantage to switch to Cornell?</p>
<p>There's probably more research opportunities at Cornell. And Cornell's fairly well known for having strong sciences so when you're applying to competitive internships for the summer, that might give you an edge. But again, I don't think it's worth the hassle of transferring.</p>