<p>Hello! I currently attend Smith, and I have the option of transferring to either Northwestern or Vanderbilt.</p>
<p>I did very well at Smith my first year. I was very involved, attained a high GPA, and developed close relationships with my professors, and I don't doubt that the remaining three years would go as smoothly academically. However, I wasn't happy there. I'm not going to knock Smith because it's a matter of fit. The social life is very unique. I found while I was there that I preferred a more typical college experience, and that being so close to Amherst depressed me because everyone there seemed to love it. You only live once, and I didn't want to graduate from college and feel like I missed something, so I applied to transfer.</p>
<p>Vanderbilt accepted me with a very generous financial aid package. I like Nashville more than Northampton (though I'm not a fan of country music) and think it can offer more opportunities due to its size. The larger size of Vandy also means there is more going on within the school, and probably less of an outpouring of its students on the weekends. I'm attracted to the school spirit and sports. There is a Creative Writing emphasis within the English major. Vandy students seem to love their school. Vandy is apparently known for grade deflation, which would be bad for me since I'm toying with the idea of law school, but I'm not too worried.</p>
<p>Northwestern accepted me with a less generous but still doable financial aid package. Again, I like the larger size, school spirit, and obnoxious football chants. The quarter system appeals to me, since the classes last just long enough for me to sustain my interest. There are also more chances to catch up credit-wise if my credits don't transfer. The weather is a downside, but I hope I can deal with it after living in Massachusetts. The Midwest would be probably be less of a culture shock for me. Also, this isn't much of a reason, but Northwestern seems to be considered more of a national school, while Vandy is more of a regional school. Transfer housing is limited at NU, so I have to hurry and make a decision.</p>
<p>I think that academically and in regard to prestige, the differences among the schools are negligible. The downsides of transferring are relocation, the possibility that credits won't transfer, and starting over. I can stay at my current college, but I don't want have any regrets.</p>
<p>Any advice? If you've read through all of this, I greatly appreciate it.</p>