<p>I am currently a freshman at MSU, and I am considering applying to Columbia as a transfer student. I started as an Astrophysics major, but now I double major in English and Fiction Film Production. MSU is known more for research and the sciences, and not particularly known for the arts. Because of this, I feel I would have greater opportunities upon earning a degree from a more liberal arts setting (Columbia, in this case).
-What can I do to ensure that I get good recommendations from professors? In a lecture hall it is pretty difficult to have a one-on-one relationship with a professor in order to get a thoughtful recommendation for my application. Should I just get the recs from classes I do most well in and then explain in my application how I don't feel comfortable in a large lecture hall setting?
-When the application asks "Why are you considering transferring from your current school?" or something along those lines, are they simply asking for absolutely any reason you have? Personally, I love MSU. The people are great, and the campus is beautiful. However, I don't feel intellectually challenged; I only feel somewhat academically challenged. Also, I've lived in Michigan for the majority of my life, and I would absolutely love to experience life in a big city, surrounded by the arts, diverse people, etc. MSU's campus is beautiful, as I stated, but it is extremely large, which is something you don't comprehend fully prior to actually attending the college. Columbia is only a fraction of the size, and I feel as if that would be a relief, especially since it's surrounded by a large city when I want to get out of the small campus. </p>
<p>Anyways, if anyone has any experience in transferring, especially to Columbia, then I would really appreciate all help and advice! </p>