<p>Right now, I am at a very prestigious, city based university, and I'm not so happy about the experience. I know that I would prefer a more rural school.</p>
<p>While size isn't exactly important, I would like the school to have some sort of a community feeling. My school is very impersonal, and I think I'd prefer a place that is friendlier, warmer, and a bit more nurturing (I'm not a total softy... I don't think I need hand holding, but I would love to be somewhere where the professors really care about the students and where there is a lot of community activity, you know, very campus centered). </p>
<p>I am very active in the arts (theater), and I would like to be somewhere where there is a creative population. Socially, while I would like to be exposed to some down to earth, artsy, laid back people, I don't want a school that is wholly made up of hippie-types; a bit of preppyness is good too. In general, I like to be around people who are driven and charismatic.</p>
<p>Also, I would be transferring from a very high ranked school, so I'd prefer to be transferring to a place that is also pretty well ranked...</p>
<p>Is there a place for me, or am I off in a dream world?</p>
<p>I would say Brown (best choice), Dartmouth, or Amherst. These are incredibly difficult to get into, however. Less difficult transfer schools (perhaps slightly less of a fit) include Rice (best fit of this group), Northwestern, WashU, and maybe Vassar. All of which let in a reasonable percentage of transfers.</p>
<p>I don;t think the OP is totally concerned with "rural" as she is with community. Brown, WashU, and Northwestern have sprawling spaces and lots of community.</p>
<p>Rice has good theater productions put on by the residential colleges (so not just for music/theater majors). It has a great sense of community and a gorgeous campus.</p>