<p>Here's the story:
I spent my freshman year at Emerson College. I loved the classes and professors, but I didn't have a great time socially, it was too expensive for me to continue there, and they didn't have the type of major I ended up wanting. I did well, and left in May with a 3.96 GPA.
I am currently at the end of a semester off, and I applied to four schools to transfer in the Spring: SUNY Geneseo, New Paltz, Purchase, and UMASS Boston. I've gotten into all so far, but I am still waiting on a decision from UMASS which should arrive tomorrow.
After my visits, I ruled out Purchase and New Paltz, and now it's between UMASS and Geneseo.
I am worried that if I pick Geneseo, a school that I understand to have an excellent reputation, I will be extremely unhappy and it will be a hassle, if not impossible, to transfer again.
UMASS was the only place I visited where I felt at home--I love Boston, and it makes me sad to think about spending college anywhere else. However, it is more expensive (out of state tuition for me) and less 'prestigious' as far as I know.
Everyone I talk to tells me how difficult it is to get into Geneseo, and how it has a great reputation. I feel guilty when I think about letting them down.
However, I am also concerned about internships; Geneseo is in the middle of nowhere, and I don't drive. I am also strongly considering a field in history or museums, and Boston is obviously a good place for that.
So does it really matter where someone gets their undergraduate degree? Do I choose the cheap, 'prestigious' school, or the most expensive one in the city and atmosphere I love? I should also mention that having a city to escape to in my lonelier moments at school was a lifesaver. Obviously location is important to me, but I don't want to make the wrong decision. Sorry for the essay--does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks.</p>