<p>I'm going to be a sophomore at Providence College this year. I'm debating if I should stay at PC for the next three years, or, assuming I'd be admitted, go to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in the spring. They're both expensive (though I might get more aid at RPI). The thing is that RPI has my major, but I could create my own major at Providence. Also, I'd be able to play a sport at RPI. They are both great academically, but I want to go whatever school is better overall. Thoughts/suggestions? Please help!</p>
<p>1) Nobody can or should answer this for you. They are both fine schools, but have different emphases. PC is a Catholic college with a liberal arts core curriculum while RPI is primarily science/engineering. Are you very happy at PC or do you feel the school lacks something that you want? Visit RPI if you get in and then decide.
2) Don’t assume you will get more aid at RPI, often transfer students get little or no financial aid as that money has been dedicated to students who came in as freshmen.</p>
<p>RPI will also have a different feel to it, it’s pretty nerdy! I say that with all due affection since my son applied there for that very reason 
In general I would say that the school that has your major is likely to provide you with a better education in those subject areas. That sounds obvious but…
What subject are you talking about and what do you intend to do afterwards? That might affect the advice you get.</p>
<p>RPI has Sustainability Studies which is what I want to study. At Providence, I would have to create my own major which is doable but there aren’t really specific classes. It would have to be combining economics, biology, and some humanities classes. I hope to do something concerning sustainable agriculture. I am not able to play a sport there which is very important to me. I can play club sports, but I really want to continue being on a team. Other than that, I am happy at Providence.</p>
<p>I know that the decision is ultimately up to me. I am just looking for different opinions and suggestions!</p>
<p>Have you visited RPI during the school year? Talked to students there in your major or professors in that department? Looked at their internships opportunities or what their graduates do after RPI? These might explain why you would benefit from their program and the advantages over what you are doing now. Do not hesitate to email the head of the department you are interested in with questions that you have.
I definitely think you should go to the school that offers your major rather than “create your own major” program. How will that look to graduate schools or employers in the future?</p>
<p>However, since the environment at these two school is so different, I would advise you to make sure RPI is a place you could be happy beyond the academics.</p>