Cornell to Columbia

Applying to College
1

I’m currently a freshman at Cornell and I’m really not liking it here. I am going to give it a semester before I seriously consider switching universities because I know how monumental of a decision that is, but I would like to know if anyone has heard of somebody transferring between Ivies. Whenever I hear of someone getting into an Ivy for transfer, it is someone coming from a state school or community college. It seems like they prefer these types of students.

Is it strange for me to want to leave an Ivy League school just to go to another one? My motivations are in no way out of a desire for a prestige bump (Cornell Arts and Sciences is just as renowned as Columbia College). I just love Columbia’s core curriculum and NYC setting, and have spent a lot of time on campus and absolutely love the environment there.

I was rejected by Columbia regular decision but I wrote horrible, last minute essays. I feel like my high school academic and extracurricular records qualify me to get in. I was offered a prestigious merit scholarship for leadership at Cornell and I feel like having that on my application to Columbia this time would give me a better shot. Any thoughts?

Oh yeah SAT- 740(CR) 800(M) 780 (W) = 2320
High School top 3% (4.31 GPA)

2

Just curious what you don’t like about Cornell? My son is considering it.

3

It’s mainly the social scene here- everybody parties and if you don’t it’s incredibly difficult to have fun because there isn’t much else to do in Ithaca. It’s less my dislike for Cornell as it is my desire to go to Columbia that is making me want to transfer, though. Cornell is an incredible school and your son should apply if he’s interested, I just don’t think it’s a good fit for me personally.

4

Wow…I didn’t get that sense from the school when I was there but thanks for the heads up. My son is involved in a very demanding sport that requires much in terms of self discipline so I’m not really worried about the party scene.
Good luck in your transfer quest!

5

You should be posting in the transfer forum or the Columbia forum, because you are not a non traditional, see top post definition. But intra ivy is a more common route than you realize.

6

Thank you!