SHOULD I transfer?

Transfer Students
1

<p>I'm a freshman in the honors program at a top 60 university, and I don't feel like I'm being as intellectually stimulated as I could be in college. The professors are top-notch, but the students aren't quite on that level. Honors is nice because we have our own classes, and many of us got into top schools but couldn't afford them, but even the honors kids aren't as intellectual or interesting as I had hoped. </p>

<p>I'm interesting in a variety of things--philosophy, science, politics, economics, fashion, making art, etc., and I haven't found many people who share these interests out of sheer enjoyment. I'm pretty sociable, so I have a good number of friends, but they're all very... normal. Nothing wrong with that, but I just want to be around people who are really, even weirdly, passionate about something (it doesn't have to be exactly what I'm into--just passionate about anything). I mean, the best experience I had while partying was when I talked with people about philosophy while intoxicated (I was doing most of the talking though). That's kinda the type of social life I want. I want to be with people who are into expanding the mind and all that hippie nonsense.</p>

<p>If I were to apply to transfer, it would be to universities and LACs known for those types of students. I had a 4.0 my first semester and a 3.9+ and 2340 SAT in high school. My EC's are decent for a freshman, and I'm pretty sure my recs, if I were to ask for them, would be amazing. I'm a pre-med philosophy major. I was thinking schools like Columbia and Oberlin (more suggestions would be nice). Should I do it?</p>

<p>Also money is an issue. I'm on full-tuition, so I'm paying 12K/year right now. Any school I transfer to would need to have good financial aid or scholarships for me.</p>

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<p>FA depends on two things: the transfer FA policy of the school and your family’s financial situation. Does your family qualify for FA? Some schools have the same FA policies for transfers as fr admits, but others have less FA for transfers, C is one example:</p>

<p>[Transfer</a> Students - US Citizens & Eligible Non-Citizens | Columbia Financial Aid and Educational Financing](<a href=“http://www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/finaid/content/transfer-students-us-citizens-eligible-non-citizens]Transfer”>How To Apply | Columbia Financial Aid and Educational Financing)</p>

<p>Merit scholarships for transfers are generally fewer in number and for less money. See the Resources sticky thread for a link to some schools with merit for transfers.</p>