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So far you've received great advice. You really can't rely on what others tell you - you have to schedule and make campus visits - not just on designated weekends (because events are always scheduled for visitors) but at regular times to see what life is really like. I went to Penn State (Univ Park) and I'll admit there was always banging parties and events the designated weekends that HS or transfer students came to visit...but come back another weekend and life was not always Happy in the Valley. Many a child walked around asking what happened-just be warned - even when you visit schools don't believe all the hype .
Everything is worth a shot if its what you really want..but from what you've said you wanted I don't think Columbia is the school for you...and I'm taking into account that you would be giving up a full scholarship.
I think you have to first sit down and really decide what it is you want to do and decide on a major. I know you don't have one now and have a concentration so my first question is what do you plan on doing with it? I believe you need to have this as your starting point when deciding on what schools to consider and academics shoud be the priority (makes no sense visiting XYZ school if they don't offer the major you want or any of the credits you have already accumulated). Some schools (like PSU) accept no transfer students in certain majors (no acceptions).
Do you know what you want to do after graduation? Are you planning to go straight to grad school? I ask this because you are at one of the top schools in the country-and unless you are transferring to an all black school the issues you listed regarding numbers (seeing people of color outside of designated activites/clubs) is going to happen anywhere. (again not a reason to give up a full scholarship)
I'm not saying that transferring is not the best idea for you...I'm just offering some ideas for you to think about. I was fortunate that when my grandfather died I was able to pay off my student loans, otherwise I would STILL be paying for a degree earned more than 10 years ago. A full scholarship is nothing to sneeze at, if you can deal with NYU for a few more years you'll have a lot more options open to you than if you leave and go to a school for the wrong reasons.
I'm in Bklyn so if you want to talk about this more privately please feel free to PM me. I work with HS students making college choices so I'll be more than happy to help you work through this.
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