<p>I'm currently a freshman at Columbia University and loving it, despite the heavy pricetag. Recently, I just received a call from the NROTC and found out that I got their scholarship, but In order to use it I would have to transfer to Cornell. </p>
<p>As of now, I'm debating on whether I should take the scholarship and transfer to Cornell, or stay at Columbia and leave with debt. I'm trying to look at the pros and cons of both schools, but since I didn't apply there as a high school senior or visit, it's a bit difficult for me. </p>
<p>I feel that going into the NROTC would be a great experience, hopefully even with the 8 years of required service after graduation, but New York City has a plethora of opportunities just sitting there. </p>
<p>If someone's familiar with both schools, I would greatly appreciate information on the pros and cons between the schools. Thanks</p>
<p>That is a tough question. My brother attended Cornell and he seemed to have had a great time. However, I hear stories about people wanting to get out of Ithaca as soon as possible. I guess the same can be said about some people at Columbia who decide the school is not for them. I encourage you to visit Cornell before you make your decision, as well as speak to as many students there as possible. I also don't know how much debt you are incurring at Columbia. If it is relatively marginal, then transferring for the scholarship might not be worth it. While I think Columbia's prestige is marginally better than Cornell's, I don't know if this difference is worth tens of thousands of dollars. Also, since you seem to be enjoying Columbia, you have to really consider whether it will be worth leaving for the scholarship. Good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>Cornell + NROTC obligations during the semester + 8 years of required service after graduation</p>
<p>is not a fair trade for</p>
<p>Columbia + debt</p>
<p>In my opinion, anyway. I'd much rather have the better college experience and the freedom during and after college, even if it comes with a price tag. You only get so many years here on this planet, debt isn't the worst thing in the world.</p>
<p>if you don't mind me asking, how much debt would you be left with? if you think it will put a hold on your future plans, as suggested by the articles gomestar linked, then maybe going to cornell wouldn't be such a bad idea. it depends how much you like columbia and how much you possibly wouldn't like cornell. everyone i know who goes to columbia has told me they would never give up their experiences or transfer to anywhere else..would you say the same for cornell? typically, i find more transfers from cornell and haven't heard of any from columbia. you have to decide whether a great four years at columbia would be really worth all that debt. besides, theres always graduate school right? and as far as the 'prestige' factor someone else was speaking of, i guess you can still include your one year at columbia on your resume if you do decide to transfer. although, cornell is pretty amazing too. and sure, the opportunities in nyc are endless, but at cornell you have so much to choose from being in such a large university. i love columbia so yeah...i would stick to that place, but its ultimately your decision and you should definitely visit cornell's campus before you make it. you don't want to spend 3 years at a place you wouldn't be happy at. good luck on this...its some tough stuff.</p>
<p>Third solution: the ROTC kids at Columbia don't have a program at the local school, but they go up to Fordham for their ROTC program. Call up ROTC and ask them if there's a program in the NYC area that you could commute to.</p>