<p>robyrm is correct. You NEED to be able to answer her point #1 to yourself, honestly. </p>
<p>In this thread and others, you only note your disappointment with your gpa (which is oustanding, IMO), and weather. Well, the latter should not have been a surprise. (If you check meteorological records, you'll find that Chicago is colder on many days than is Anchorage, AK.) If the former (gpa), please note that, when we had lunch last year at UofC, it was mid-term day for the Bio class. Many students came into lunch literally with eyes glazed over -- they were genuinely happy with their 50-70 score. My point is that the grass only 'appears' greener: cold weather and a rigorous curriculum are everywhere. By definition, 49% of students matriculating to Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Stanford et al, will end up in the bottom half of their graduating class.</p>
<p>In looking at your previous posts, one place you seem to chime in on is 'prestige' factor. I'm only guessing here, but but I would suggest that picking Ithaca was based on that one word, as perceived by family and friends... Time for some honest soul searching, bcos if being at an Ivy is important to you, then stay in Ithaca and get involved in all that campus has to offer. IMO, it would be hard to convince Penn or Brown that Cornell's econ department is soooo bad, that they would need to accept you so you could thrive in thier school.</p>
<p>I have to ditto Marny's comments. I am an active Cornell alumnus and have followed your posts for a long time as well. You were unhappy with the prestige factor from the beginning. You chided Cornell for its average SAT statistics. You were obsessed with statistics, rankings, etc. You badmouthed Cornell on the Columbia board. Some extremely supportive students on the Cornell thread invited you to parties because they wanted to help you get integrated into Cornell's life. I don't know if you took them up on their offers. Ultimately, this will be your decision to make with your parents, but it sounds as though you have made your decision already. As for weather, University of Chicago and Northwestern also have very bitter and windy winters. </p>
<p>I wish you much luck in your decision. This should be the happiest time of your life. I hope you find the right school for you.</p>
<p>Thanks parents for all the advice. I thought I should clarify a few things. It is true in the beginning that I was upset about coming to Cornell, I won't deny it. It was by far not my first choice coming out of high school. Everyone including my Guidance Counselor, friends, and teachers advised me to go to Northwestern, and I chose Cornell. I am not exactly sure why I chose it--it was closer to my home and I knew I would get a dam good education and being an ivy never hurt anyone. I was also awarded this presidential research scholar thing, a pretty select scholarship status and the ability to conduct world-class research and be compensated for it through this unique program. I won't lie that in the beginning, I was somewhat disappointed by the perceived overall quality of Cornell students (this was my initial observation). All I had to go on was superficial stats such as SATs scores. I noticed that Cornell's SAT scores are a bit lower than other schools I was admitted to and believed that I would find a more stimulating intellectual environment somewhere else, perhaps U of Chicago or Rice. I have come to realize that the SATs are poor indicator of academic success and intellectuallism. In fact, I have seen students with the highest upon highest scores at the point of failing out and those with modest scores doing quite well. What I don't like about Cornell - it is an extremely serious and demanding place. While the other schools with the exception of Chicago are all serious and demanding places, they I do not think pile on the work and deflate grades to the degree that Cornell and Chicago do. I had one stressful semester, I was always feeling kinda down and never was in the mood to eat. I consequently, lost 25-30 pounds, which wasn't that bad, b/c I was a tad chubby, but hey, I am now thin. I went to the doctor and everything is ok with me. I just have to eat a little more, which I have been doing. Socially, I have explored several options and I have formed some close friendships with people at Cornell. I still notice a common thread--no matter how close you are friends with someone at cornell, competition still prevails and despite this frienship, people will go to great lengths to do better than you on exams and in classes. I especially noticed this in a class like biology on a strict curve, where people did not share notes or claimed they lost their notes or didn't remember the answers to web quizes. I came to a school to be academically challenged (which Cornell has done) in an environment that is conducive to learning. At Cornell, I don't find this to be the case. It is more about finding the best way to get grades. I mean you guys have no idea some of the stupid garbage that happened in some of my classes, such as a clicker key pad malfunctioning in biology for short quizes in everyday bio lectures. I spoke to the professor how it wasn't working, he showed no sympathy wat-so-ever and said there was nothing he could do. He actually showed disdain to the fact that I asked if there was someway or somehow he could help me resolve the problem. I understand other schools are really challenging, but it is my belief that they aren't as grade deflated and willing to create an environment that is strictly based on grades alone. Most people that I have met do not care about learning, they care about grades. When I first came in, learning was my first priority and grades were the second. I knew that if I learned the material, the grades wouldn't be an issue. However, at Cornell, grades are the most important part, and people will do anything to get the grades even if that means studying 36 hours straight from Friday to Saturday night. I have likewise become absorbed by my grades. My parents are happy about how I did, but I am not too thrilled with a 3.6 even though I keep being told, the average GPA for freshman is a 3.0. Another reason why I want to leave and perhaps, go to a Columbia or Brown or Penn is b/c someone who is really close to me is ill, and I would like to be closer to them. I understand that Cornell is a phenomenal school and not many other places can match its academic offerings and esteemed faculty members. From what I have gathered, it seems that these schools aren't going to be that willing to take a Cornell student when they have so many other students from tier 2 or 3 places that would benefit so much from having a spot in their university. I hope that I clarified a few things. In addition, weather is important to me, not as important as I have have made it out to be. I wouldn't mind warmer weather, but I am willing to sacrifice this wish for a few years. The city issue--I would definetely prefer a city location and that is why Chicago, Northwestern, Penn, and Columbia appeal to me. Thanks for all of your help.</p>
<p>Perhaps when you get into more courses like economics and other liberal arts, it will be less competitive/cut throat than the courses you are now taking on the pre-med track (since your main discontent seems to be with Bio and your B+).</p>
<p>This is an important issue to consider if you're looking at transferring because financial aid is even more limited for transfers at some schools than it is for freshmen. Has your family's financial picture significantly changed in the last three months? Is part of why your parents aren't supporting your transfer because they are concerned about money?</p>
<p>Again, this is just another example of the need to be honest with yourself --- reading your old posts, it sounds like you were very disappointed when you didn't get into Brown or UPenn and had to "settle" for Cornell. I can certainly understand that, but please take everyone's advice and be honest with yourself about why you are seeking to transfer, and what is going to be realistic for you and your family financially. Cornell does have a lot to offer, but it sounds like you haven't yet found your niche there or even given Cornell a chance --- in fact, you were talking about transferring BEFORE your first day at Cornell. It would be a shame to throw away an opportunity just because of "sour grapes" over not getting in elsewhere or feeling you were pressured by your parents to attend. </p>
<p>By the way, in one of your old posts you noted that you never visited Northwestern - have you done so now? In fact, I would recommend that you re-visit all of the schools you're considering transferring to now that you have the perspective of a semester in college. Perhaps doing so will help you decide if this is a case of "the grass always being greener" or if you really will find something substantially better elsewhere. I'd certainly recommend you also visit the schools in January or February so you can compare the weather situation. </p>
<p>Finances is no longer a concern, as my dad is willing to pay the entire bill for my entire education no matter the cost. I worked out an agreement with him. He realizes that my happiness is more important than 10,000 dollars more a year.</p>
<p>I went to Cornell, it is warmer in the libraries. </p>
<p>If you don't want to be there, leave, there are plenty of other people who would give an arm to study at Cornell. It is hard to get a 3.8 or a 4.0 at Cornell, now that's a good reason to leave. It's too far from the big city; how much time do you intend to be running around in the big city while improving your grades. May I suggest a community college in San Diego, or maybe University of Hawaii at Manoa. Easy grades, warm weather, city life...everything you seem to want in a college education.</p>
<p>Buy some warmer clothes, try to get classes that have you going into the library in November and coming out onto the quad in April when the sun comes out and the heavy coats come off. You will know what I mean by May.</p>
<p>Everybody knows that Cornell is hard, it was one of the first things my first boss said to me. Know when to hold them, know when to fold them. I would think this through, you will be giving up a lot for an unknown.</p>
<p>"My parents however are not thrilled with the idea of me transfering out of Cornell b/c they don't think I will be any happier at another peer school (UPenn, Brown, and Columbia) and may not even do as well."</p>
<p>Many parents don't know their kids real well, but is there a reason an "objective observer" might think you wouldn't be happier at a peer school, and might not even do as well?(I mean, you did GREAT in your first semester, so I'm not quite sure what that's all about.) At first glance, I would have thought Cornell was the most "partyish" school on your list.</p>
<p>Anyhow, send in your applications, and then don't think about them. Come up in April, with four more months of Cornell under your belt, and the results in, and then evaluate where you are.</p>
<p>Good detective work Carolyn. We have no secrets on CC. (I gotta remember that). Bball- As a NY parent, trust me there are few GC's in NY who would recommend NW over Cornell especially when IT IS COMMOM KNOWLEDGE that tuition in CALS-HUMAN EC and ILR is $17,000 vs $30,000+ tuition at NW. And I do think many NY kids would pick Cornell over NW because of the IVY factor and the reduced tuition. It sounds like this unhappiness with Cornell is based on the fact that you feel your parents forced you to go there. As a NY parent I can relate to your parents action. My d also applied to Brown but was rejected. If she had gotten in, it would have been extremely difficult to justify paying the additional $ to send her to Brown rather than Cornell. Your parents may have felt the same way about Northwestern and some of the other schools. And you know what, a good chunk of NY parents would feel the same way. The only suggestion I will make is that if you are not able to transfer out look into the AEM program in CALS and ILR. You can take many economic courses within the ILR curriculum. (CAS Economics is a full ride even for NYS residents) Also if you are there next year, you may want to consider a dorm in college town (Sheldon or Cascadilla??) You gotta deal with that really big slope on West Campus. I think that could be mighty hard to adjust to in cold weather. My d dorms in college town and loves it. She is also in ILR. It seems fairly laid back and no "cut throat" mentality. Most of the Cornell kids on these boards seem to think that the cut throat reputation is more a myth than reality. Wishing you luck.</p>
<p>PPL, I am in the College of Arts and Sciences, i had my application forwarded to the college of arts/sciences in April, and I am in the College of Arts/Sciences. It is the same 30,000+ tuition plus room and board.</p>
<p>bball: It sounds to me like you clearly have some things to work out, that may or not be related to academics. </p>
<p>What sounds like a newly developing eating disorder raises red flags to me. Perhaps you should try to talk with a counselor on campus? Maybe they could help you with adjustment issues? </p>
<p>Those sorts of problems don't get better by moving around, or by simply moving on to someplace more prestigious. </p>
<p>You deserve to be happy - make it happen; don't expect happiness to find you. If you have legitimate gripes about Cornell, and you are certain some other place will be better - go for it. Otherwise, look to the good people around you for friendship and support.</p>
<p>So you are not pre-med bio/science major? And you're all upset over one "cut throat " bio class which may have brought down your GPA??? As finances were a factor from earlier thread, I figured that you were in CALS or Human Ec. Did you apply to one of those schools and then switch to CAS school after you got your acceptance, as you stated your "application was forwarded to CAS in April". Well if your parents knew in April that the tuition was the same $30,000, I guess finances was not the reason they did not want you to go to Northwestern. I do not think I can add anything more to this discussion as I got enough trouble understanding my own kids-- so I think I'll leave it at that. Good luck. I hope you find what you are looking for.</p>
<p>bballl, I do hope you find a solution that makes you happy. You have received some great advice, especially from the NY parents. From my own experience and from reading CC, it is not unusual to have a difficult first semester. I don't think the problems you have faced are unique to Cornell, so be careful about "jumping ship" too soon.
You said in one of your posts, that students study 36 hours straight from Mon - Sat. You implied that it was too much. I teach in a community college and I advise my biology students to spend 2 - 3 hours outside of class for every 1 hour spent in class. A typical biology class at my college meets for 6 hours per week. So, students are expected to spend 12 - 18 hours outside of class on just one biology course. So, the 36 hours that you have quoted - spent on a typical four-class schedule - doesn't seem like enough to me.</p>
<p>originally, the finances was an issue, but I finally was able to convince my parents to spend the extra 10-15,000 a year for me (i get no financial aid, Northwestern was the only one I tried for, and i got a small loan package). CAS at Cornell is the same as Northwestern. My parents wanted me to go to Cornell not b/c of the price, but because it was closer to my home (mostly my mom's concern btw) and b/c it was an ivy (mostly my dad).</p>
<p>I must be obtuse. But other than location (though both extremely cold and snowy), what are the differences between Cornell and Northwestern? In the main, they are so similar - or so it appears to me. Both good schools, both private, both selective, both with football teams, both with big graduate schools, both with fraternities. Northwestern is closer to Chicago, of course, but it's not like most students spend an awful lot of time there. Do your parents know something about you that you don't?</p>
<p>Anyhow, when you've got answers in hand in April would be the best time to have this conversation.</p>
<p>(By the way, Cornell has had 10% grade inflation in the past 10 years, the highest of the Ivies; over the past 35 years, the highest rate of grade inflation among the "prestige schools" has been at the University of Chicago. (see <a href="http://www.gradeinflation.com%5B/url%5D">www.gradeinflation.com</a> )</p>
<p>It's obvious that the thoughts of transferring have plagued you since you decided to attend Cornell. I wish we could hear your parents version of the story, because if you are the kind of person who is always second guessing they might be advising you to stay because you might always find fault with any institution. This issue has clearly been torturing you for some time though. Have you filled out the transfer applications yet? Why don't you see what choices you have in the Spring. Its premature to worry about transferring yet, until you have options. You know the phrase about counting your chickens before they're hatched."</p>
<p>Also, regarding Northwestern and pressure... we visited Dartmouth and during the tour the topic of trimester (quarter system) came up. Trimesters go very fast. The tour guide said that Dartmouth only requires 3 courses per trimester and that Northwestern requires 4, which makes it much harder. I don't know if that is factual, but you should check it out, especially since 4 courses in a semester was stressful for you at Cornell.</p>
<p>In addition, I am trying to think of how I will craft my essays. I really need to make a compelling reason for why UPenn, Brown, etc will offer me something that Cornell cannot offer. I have reasons, but I don't know if they are viable.</p>
<p>Youre correct, the reasons you have articulated over the past months are not compelling, in fact they read as arrogant. </p>
<p>Instead, you should focus on the positive, i.e. what you like about XYZ University and avoid complaining about what you didn't like about Cornell. Talk about why XYZ University would be a good fit for you, etc.</p>