Northwestern vs. Columbia

<p>So, I need to make a decision -- I'm hoping some of you have helpful insights and opinions.</p>

<p>I'm currently a student at Northwestern, but I've been admitted to Columbia SEAS as a sophomore transfer. I haven't decided on a major, but I think I'm down to choosing between Applied Mathematics, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, and Industrial Engineering. </p>

<p>After graduating, I'm interested in engineering as a field, but I'm wary of "traditional" engineering jobs -- I'd like to have flexibility and options later, but I don't want to be a jack of all trades to the point where I'm "master of none". Also, it's likely I will want to go to graduate school to continue study of some technical discipline.</p>

<p>I live near Philadelphia, so Chicago is ~18 hours by car, whereas New York is ~2 hours by car. I'm fairly sure I would enjoy living in a city. I'm not very involved with or enthused about Greek life or sports, though I do enjoy the unity they bring to the student body.</p>

<p>Anyone have any thoughts?</p>

<p>Are you unhappy at NU? Academically, as far as I know, it’s either basically a wash or a step down. IF you’re settled in and pretty content at NU, DO NOT transfer.</p>