<p>I'd really appreciate it if I could get some input. I spent my freshman year at Emory with a full tuition scholarship, but wasn't completely happy there for various reasons, both academic and personal. However, I made a few strong friendships, and I have leadership positions already lined up for next year in organizations. I would not be miserable if I stayed.</p>
<p>Was accepted by both schools that I applied to, Columbia College and Penn SAS. My parents do not qualify for financial aid at either school, but they are more than willing to pay (it won't be easy - lots of loans), and they say they don't want money to be a consideration in my decision (which, of course, it is).</p>
<p>Potential majors: Neuroscience, Sociology, Human Rights (Columbia), Philosophy and Science (Penn), Science/Tech/Society (Penn)
Not pre-med. Perhaps pre-law?</p>
<p>Leaning towards Columbia, which has been a dream school. Everything that I hear about it sounds amazing; I love the idea of the Core, and I would gladly sacrifice a "strong campus community" and "school spirit" (which Emory certainly does not have either) for the resources of NYC. I was waitlisted by Columbia as a freshman applicant, and had i gotten in, I would have turned down Emory's scholarship in a heartbeat.</p>
<p>Tough one. I know financial considerations are HUGE. And although you will be able to tolerate your current school, consider if you can tolerate NOT going to your DREAM school after finally being accepted.</p>
<p>The way this reads, your parents would be footing the bill, and are more than happy to pay it if it means going to a school that better matches you. If that is the case, you might as well take them up on their offer, especially since you did get into your dream school.</p>
<p>On a different note, since I am applying TO Emory for transfer, I am wondering if you'd care (PM is fine) to elaborate on what you disliked in greater detail.</p>
<p>come to columbia. i gave up 25k in scholarship money to enter as a sophomore next year. its a one in a lifetime opportunity to go to one of the 5 best colleges in the country. thatmom is right, if mom and dad are cool with columbia, you should come without question.</p>
<p>thanks for all the responses! I'm only hesitating about starting over again and about putting my family in debt before grad school comes around. I'm not sure the difference between Emory and Columbia is worth $100k, but I guess you can't quantify it like that.</p>
<p>gprime, i just sent you a lengthy PM. please let me know if there's anything specific you'd like to know.</p>
<p>i also just finished my freshman year at emory and like you i have left with the same feelings...personally i would say go to columbia over going to emory at least for me i know going back means the same dissatisfaction that led me to apply to transfer in the first place...its a great school just not for everyone...so absolutely if columbia was your dream school dont pass it</p>
<p>Go with your dream. If you can bear the expense, and it seems you can, go for it. You've already saved some money by spending time at Emory.</p>
<p>Emory may be a good school, but it's clearly not for you. If you feel as though you truly cannot grow and reach your full potential there, you must leave.</p>