I was feeling like I didn’t like my little LAC in the middle of my freshman year so I applied to transfer to Columbia. Well, I got into Columbia but now I am enjoying my LAC a lot more and have made some great friends. Now I kind of wish I’d never even applied to Columbia because I have this seemingly impossible decision in front of me.
I would love to hear any insight you may have on:
What it's like to be a sophomore transfer student at Columbia? Is completing the core difficult or did you enjoy it? Did you make new friends? Is there a stigma to being a transfer? Are students and professors welcoming?
What it's like to stay at a small LAC for four years? Did you get sick of the small town atmosphere or was it fun?
I’m not sure any of us can help you. Some people are extremely happy at their LACs and never want to leave. Some are extremely happy in Manhattan.
Honestly, if you are happy NOW at your little prestigious LAC now, why would you leave? If your LAC is one of the top handful like Amherst, Williams, or Swarthmore, the outcomes for the typical student after graduation will be the same as they are for the typical Columbia grad. Does Columbia offer a course of study not available to you where you are?
Life at Columbia is very very different - some love it and some hate it. Bottom line, only you can decide what you really want, and deep down, you probably already know.
Jump into the unknown only if you know you are unhappy with the current “known,” As that dissatisfaction no longer seems to be the case, maybe you should embrace your current situation, deciding to branch out in place and engage in a new activity that better ties you to your current institution. Because… “No matter where you go, there you are.” Make YOU a better YOU right now.
It takes some people time to warm up to their school, which seems to have been the case with you. But now it seems you’re digging things.
Digging things = “not broke”
So unless you want to major in something that Columbia offers and your LAC lacks… or maybe if Columbia’s FA offer makes it a lot cheaper than the LAC… then I think you’re right where you should be.
A few random comments—
-My D is a senior at a LAC and loved each of her four years there. (she will be going to Columbia for grad school next year).
-Keep in mind that transferring isn’t always easy as many friendships are formed freshman year.
-I’d also look at Columbia’s large core curriculum and be sure you can finish up the core and your major to graduate in 4 years.
-In the end, do what you feel is right for you. No bad choices here.