<p>Hi,
I'm from India and I got into SUNY-Buffalo on a Presidential Scholarship (full aid) with an EE major. Unfortunately, the only Ivy I applied to (i.e. Cornell) rejected me outright and I've been feeling extremely depressed ever since. I got into VirginiaTech, U of Maryland, Georgia Tech and Rose-Hulman, but my family can't afford them. That's why the only option for me is SUNY-Buffalo. I know it's a good school and all, but I've been feeling really under appreciated ever since the rejection. My friend suggested that I transfer after the first year. Is it realistic for me? Here are my statistics:
SAT: 2160 (M:800, W:670, CR:690)
SAT II: MathIIc - 740, Physics - 730</p>
<p>Just so everyone’s clear, are you trying to transfer into Cornell for engineering?</p>
<p>Yes, and I know it’s really tough and all (low acceptance rate) but is it realistic for me?</p>
<p>Epsilon42,</p>
<p>Congratulations on your acceptance to UB and especially on your full ride!</p>
<p>First, understand that UB is not a shabby choice at all, and you are not “settling”. Like Cornell, it is a large, comprehensive research university, and your major is one of its strongest and is very well respected.</p>
<p>You are not alone in getting a rejection letter from an Ivy. Don’t be hard on yourself. Cornell had 37,000 applicants this year. I know some brilliant students, with perfect resumes in every regard, SATs higher than yours, NM Finalist, etc. who were also rejected. It’s a numbers game, and the college applications process is often arbitrary when the numbers are that large.</p>
<p>Go where the money is. If you are happy with UB, stay with it and be thankful for your free education, and the fact that you are appreciated and wanted there. If you wish to apply to Cornell as a transfer, go for it–there’s no harm in trying. But keep an open mind and realize that if they turn you away again, it is not failure. Be happy with where you are and move on. Everything happens for a reason. You are bright and will succeed wherever you are.</p>
<p>80% of students in the U.S. choose state universities. There are many reasons for that, and cost is a big one. There is a lot to be said for graduating debt-free, as opposed to being saddled with debt that will take half of your career to pay off.</p>
<p>As an aside, although the campus is gorgeous, there are an awful lot of hills and constant walking at Cornell, lol. It can get pretty ridiculous, not to mention exhausting, when you are lugging stuff, or it gets late and you are tired, especially in winter! At least UB has had the sense to build bridges and tunnels for the students to use when the weather is frightful!</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>