<p>So, I've heard Columbia is a suuuppper liberal school. Now, I can tell you I am not the most liberal person, but I am not the most conservative either. So, if I were to attend would I feel really left out? Is there room for more conservative people? And is everyone accepting of others views? Thx for your help!</p>
<p>Good question. I'm a fairly conservative libertarian pre-frosh. There's certainly a significant conservative community at Columbia. Notice: </p>
<p><a href="http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gop/%5B/url%5D">http://www.columbia.edu/cu/gop/</a> <a href="http://www.columbia.edu/cu/libertarians/%5B/url%5D">http://www.columbia.edu/cu/libertarians/</a> </p>
<p>While I was visiting Columbia, my host said Columbia isn't liberal, it's activist, which connotes liberal, but nevertheless it's an important distinction. Thus, while Columbia is certainly a "liberal" college, almost all colleges are and Columbia is not more liberal than say, Brown. Columbia is intellectual enough to not let itself swing too far in either direction. So, my advice is don't worry about it, and come/apply to Columbia if you like what the school has to offer. Forget politics. (But I still wouldn't recommend applying to Sarah Lawrence, Wellesley, Oberlin, etc.)</p>
<p>depends on what flavour of conservative you are.</p>
<p>If you're the "OMG, the liberals are everywhere trying to brainwash me, where's my foil hat?" type of liberal, just major in something like... physics or chem. That way, you totally avoid any real political debate.</p>
<p>If you're the "I believe in more responsible spending, and maybe question the efficacy of social welfare as it is structured today" type, then you'll do just fine at Columbia. </p>
<p>And yes, there's a difference between activist and liberal. I mean, are pro-life protestors liberal because they're picketing? No, they're activists.</p>
<p>Well, if you want to get really pedantic about it, "liberal" just means you desire change. So all activists are "liberal" in the literal sense of the word. Columbia might fairly be characterized as leftist, however.</p>
<p>And I get the impression the campus is a hotbed of debate. So if you're an open-minded libertarian or republican willing to defend your views (I've heard such people exist...is it true?) you should fit in just fine. If, however, you base your political beliefs on faith (in leadership, not necessarily religion) instead of reason, you might fairly be marginalized.</p>
<p>I'm sure many people go in with one set of views and come out with a totally different set. No worries. All is good.</p>
<p>Going on invictus' comment, fiscal conservatives ought to feel welcome to debate. Social conservatives on the other hand...</p>
<p>But paintedocean, shouldn't that be true everywhere... :D</p>
<p>I was disappointed Columbia's student govt just voted down a return of ROTC. Personally, I don't view this as liberal or conservative issue. I support ROTC's return and I consider myself a political liberal and social conservative or moderate (depending on the litmus test used). I think fiscal conservatives are pretty well received most places while those who are politically liberal and socially conservative or moderate have a hard time finding like minded thinkers most places.</p>
<p>Regardless, we can agree that the issue was voted on fairly, and therefore the decision should stand.</p>
<p>Well, unless there's the chance to override it in the Senate or something...;)</p>
<p>I may be wrong, but I believe it was the faculty Senate that rejected ROTC's return to campus until the armed forces change the "don't ask don't tell policy" around gays.</p>
<p>I also believe that Columbia has the largest College Republican club in the Ivies. This is probably because, as others here have pointed out, Columbia students tend to be more politically active, no matter their politics.</p>
<p>i'll be there spreading the gospel of friedman and monetarism, rest assured</p>
<p>And you'll have exciting debates with a Keynesian late into the night, perhaps ultimately having each convinced the other of the veracity of your point of view!</p>
<p>justice: you chicago boys better watch out for us austrian schoolers. =)</p>
<p>"I consider myself a political liberal and social conservative or moderate"</p>
<p>I looked at it for a minute, and this is completely meaningless. "Is political liberal" supposed to read "fiscal liberal?" If so, this would be the first fiscally liberal, socially conservative person I have ever seen, met, or even heard of. Am I missing something?</p>
<p>"Now, I can tell you I am not the most liberal person, but I am not the most conservative either." </p>
<p>Oh WOW!!! Oh my god, stop the presses everyone!!! We have ourselves a...moderate? How in the WORLD will such a person fit into any university at all???</p>
<p>This thread is pretty hilarious if you ask me.</p>
<p>tigerfan 17 - lol, that's what I am, in the tradition of John Paul II.</p>
<p>"If so, this would be the first fiscally liberal, socially conservative person I have ever seen, met, or even heard of. Am I missing something?"</p>
<p>Tiger, lot's of people are like this actually. Their worldview tends to be something like (I'm dumbing this down of course):
Everyone deserves adequate health care and education. Eww! Gay people!
and hence, four more years...</p>
<p>actually paintedocean, I always vote Democratic. I prefer to try to moderate the Dems views on abortion from within the party. Civil unions or gay marriages are not something I oppose or object to. On most issues od public policy I am in agreement with the Dems.</p>
<p>So you are really a left-leaning moderate</p>