<p>Long post, sorry. I'm a freshman at Northwestern (WCAS). I'm in the Mathematical Methods in the Social Sciences (MMSS) program at NU and I just got accepted to Columbia (College) for transfer admissions. I have until next Wednesday to decide, and any input is appreciated!</p>
<p>I'm considering the pros/cons of both...</p>
<p>In terms of academic goals and interests... I like math and econ. I also like writing. I might go into business, I might not.</p>
<p>If I stayed at NU I would major in MMSS/Econ/Math and probably go for the Kellogg Undergraduate Business Certificate Program. I'd take more classes in the Creative Writing tracks at NU but I don't know how much time I'd have to do so. I'd be essentially done with Distribution and Language requirements for the degree.</p>
<p>If I transferred to Columbia I would probably major in Econ-Math (the joint major, as Columbia doesn't have a program like MMSS). Columbia also has an interesting and unique Core Curriculum and their Creative Writing department looks really strong. I would be behind in taking Core classes as a sophomore since no transfer credit can really count for a Core class, except maybe University Writing, and I would have to place out of the language requirement by taking a placement exam.</p>
<p>In terms of location... Columbia is closer to home (driving distance) as opposed to Evanston/Chicago (plane trips during breaks). And Columbia is inside the city, while NU is around 40 minutes from Chicago by El.</p>
<p>At NU I have a close-knit group of friends and I'm having a good time here. Transferring would mean starting over and leaving familiar stuff behind - but it also means new experiences!</p>
<p>Again, I have until next Wednesday and any input is appreciated! Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Don’t transfer anymore if you’re socially okay at NU, especially that you’re onto MMSS program, which I think is an oversubscribed course at NU.</p>
<p>Why are you thinking of transferring in the first place? You seem happy at NU. What is it that makes you want to go to Columbia? You mention the city and being closer to home - how important are those things to you?</p>
<p>Haha, I just found out I got into the University of Pennsylvania as well. Got to decide on Columbia by 5/20, Penn by 5/25.</p>
<p>RML, what do you mean by MMSS being an “oversubscribed course”? Do you see that as a good thing or bad thing?</p>
<p>Columbia was my top choice back when I applied in high school but I wasn’t accepted. Now that I’ve spent a year at Northwestern, I’m pretty settled in. But I still like Columbia and NYC a lot. NYC would be nice to live in, with a lot of stuff to do and places to visit, and I’d get the benefit of being able to hop on a train to go home every now and then when I feel like visiting, as opposed to booking plane tickets. Chicago’s really nice but I feel that at NU we don’t have all too much time/energy to go into Chicago, especially during the winter when it’s freezing. But then again I’ve grown somewhat used to it.</p>
<p>And now that Penn’s in consideration… I haven’t looked into how the transfer credit works for Penn, but I’m sure like with Columbia there’ll be requirements I have to make up as a transfer, and classes that won’t carry over from NU.</p>
<p>Philadelphia would be cool too. The cities might yield more internship opportunities, and to get involved in general. I’m volunteering at a small homeless shelter in Evanston but there’s usually not a whole lot of stuff that needs to be done since it’s so small. Philadelphia and NYC would be cool places to get involved in urban development.</p>
<p>You’re correct when you assume that there’s a social cost in transferring. </p>
<p>Instead of withdrawing from Northwestern, if you do decide to transfer, consider taking leave. That would give you the option of returning if you decide you liked Northwestern better.</p>
<p>I would DEFINITELY pick Columbia over both Penn and Northwestern. NYC is unlike any other city, and it certainly beats the ghettos in Philly that you’ll be living near.</p>
<p>Columbia for grad school. Penn for undegrad. No doubt NYC is a better city. That’s precisely why one shouldn’t squander their precious undergrad years there in a city that would overwhelm campus life.</p>
<p>The area surrounding uPenn is not THAT bad, nooob. Even though Columbia would be a good choice, you still have to consider the undergrad experience. I agree with ilovebagels (name and opinion) that Columbia is a much better grad experience.</p>
<p>arbiter213, I agree with you. If the OP is perfectly happy at Evanston, just stay where you are. Most people transfer because their current location makes them miserable, lacks academic opportunities, or drastic extenuating circumstances (e.g., financial, death of loved one, etc.) prevents them from staying at the current university.</p>