<p>I am currently a 2nd semester freshman at the University of Rochester. I love the people here and have made good friends, but I am not sure I'm happy with what I am studying. I orginally intended to major in mathematics and eventually become an actuary, but now that sounds less appealing to me. I have realized that I have a true interest in meteorolgy, which my school does not have program in. Also, it also seems kind of foolish to me to be forking over $30,000+ per year for a school when I don't know exactly what I want to do. The three schools I'm considering which have the program are Rutgers, Penn State, and Cornell...Rutgers being the cheapest and closest as I am from NJ. But I know PSU has the best program in it as my brother went there and majored in it. My GPA is pretty good and my SAT's were 1420. I just find it tough to commit to transferring as I have a good group of friends and enjoy the clubs I'm in. On the other hand, the reason I'm going to college is for an education. Any advice or information would be appreciated, especially if you have experience transferring to any of these schools or from the U of R. Thanks for any help!!</p>
<p>How do you know meteorology is your true passion? It's a big decision to transfer, and I would put serious thought into meteorology, a hard career to break into</p>
<p>I know its a tough career to get a good paying job in...especially compared to the actuary profession, but I always find myself looking at weather maps and computer models, while giving my friends forecasts...and I know people always say its best when you're in a profession that you love. With Penn State, they actually have a specific program in Acturial sciences, which would probably better prepare me for the series of exams if I do continue in that field...but I know their meteo program is top notch....and studying something I am very interested in, while saving me and my parents upto $15,000 a year is nice. Also, I think a larger school with a nicer and more accessible surrounding area (and DI teams :)) is somewhat more appealing to me. Needless to say, I'm going crazy trying to sort stuff out, especially when its almost time to plan housing for next year...so any more advice is appreciated.
Thanks again!</p>
<p>I've actually delved quite deep into the ins and outs of meteorology. It's more than just liking weather. It's chemistry, it's physics, it's geology, and it's the meteorology. What you see the weatherman do, it's such a small represenentation of what it truly is. I'm not trying to discourage you, I just don't want you to transfer, and find out it's completely different than what you thought, and you don't truly enjoy it.</p>
<p>Oh I know...my brother's in grad school for it right now. Most weatherman on TV aren't even certified and many just have a broadcasting degree. I am interested in physics after taking AP in high school..but did not seriously consider it till then. I've learned alot from my brother regarding the field as well as from professionals from message boards etc...
Thanks for your help!</p>
<p>I would say PSU is the best in that case, not only that it is the best in that field, but it is also very solid in several related disciplines. Does UofR offer any meteorology courses at all? I think it's a really interesting field. Happy hunting! :p</p>