NYU to Cornell

Transfer Students
1

Hi!

I am a current freshman at NYU and would like to transfer in the fall of 2019. My reasons are mainly academic and resource based. When I sought help (I have a really weird dorm situation), I was told to drop out. This further solidified my belief that the school is cold and prides itself in teaching students to be purely independent. I now realize I would prefer a much more traditional college experience.

I am pretty set on transferring, and would just like to see if I am a good applicant.

HS stats:

Junior yea:r 4.0 w (2 APs)
Senior year GPA: 4.7 w (3 APs)
ACT:

  • regular: 30
  • superscore: 32
    recipient of multiple awards (academic and leadership)
    member of around 10 clubs with multiple leadership positions

College stats:
GPA: on track for 3.9
clubs:

  • creative writing
  • intramural volleyball
  • politics club
  • economics club
  • reform religious club
  • share meals
  • hospital volunteer

Cornell would be my dream, but I also have some other schools on my list such as UVa, BC, Lehigh, and Bucknell. I have reflected a lot and believe that these schools will be a good fit. I will also be visiting each one in the spring.

Also, should I retake my ACT? Is that even possible? I never studied for it and NYU superscored so I was in pretty good shape at the time.

Thank you so much :slight_smile:

2

Be aware that, while Cornell certainly represents a campus-based experience, “warmth” is not the first word alums use to describe it… I doubt an administrator would tell you to drop out there because of a housing complaint, but that doesn’t mean that they will necessarily drop everything and cater to your complaints there either. Students there * are * expected to become quite independent as well.

Still It is (was) significantly more campus/resource oriented than NYU was, in my own dated experience. So I’d agree you are on the right track. Just don’t think you are entering a small LAC, because it isn’t one.

3

I have to agree with the above comments about Cornell. There is no hand holding going on at Cornell, and “warm” would not be an adjective I would use about faculty or climate. Students definitely have to be independent and self directed. Definitely go visit the schools you are considering, sit in on classes, and talk to students. You don’t want to be trading one stressful situation for another.

4

Where else did you apply last year? Where were you accepted? Would any of those work for you? Since you are truly miserable, you could pick up the phone and ask if they’d make space for you second semester.