<p>I plan on applying early to either Dartmouth or Columbia, and my decision boils down to, simply, which college gives better financial aid?</p>
<p>Also, by how much do typical financial aid packages differ at these college?</p>
<p>Its impossible to predict. Also, having attended both Dartmouth and Columbia (transferred from Columbia to Dartmouth), I think these are VERY different schools. I think transferring from Columbia to Dartmouth was the best decision of my life, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.</p>
<p>Why did you transfer from Columbia to Dartmouth?</p>
<p>Iggy, I just found Columbia to be polarizing, if you're intense, very into what an urban scene offers (ie urban music, fashion, etc), or are very into a particular ethnic group it might be a great fit. But iI find many might have preferred a more traditional and cohesive campus based college experience. Columbia has little to no student owned space (no off campus houses, etc), which is a function of NYC. So there is less casual interaction. Also, there is less core infrastructure keeping the community together: the library is very quiet and not social like other schools, aftr first year the dining hall is rarely used, many of the dorms are intensely quiet. </p>
<p>I realized that there was as much drinking going on at Columbia as anywhere else, but it was segregated and cliquey (people just would go off in small groups). Columbia lacked in the spirit I was looking for, while Dartmouth felt like one of the most spirited (not in a sports way, in a "I love the school way") colleges in the world. Dartmouth was casual and fun, where Columbia seemed more institutional. It just wasn't the right fit.</p>
<p>Also, Columbia made me feel a little like a number, whereas at Dartmouth even the administration was amazingly helpful and friendly. At Dartmouth I got a 10K grant for my thesis research (lived in the pacific), went on two Dartmouth led study abroad programs, and got countless special opportunities like research grants and funded cultural trips. Columbia just didn't come close in this regard. I doubt few schools do, honestly. Its not for everyone, but Dartmouth College is a beautifully unique experience among the top schools. I truly feel that those who look a little deeper find it to be life changing in the most positive of ways.</p>
<p>My daughter got into both Columbia and Dartmouth. To us we find Dartmouths financial package is better than Columbias. We also feel Dartmouths faculty and administration was more helpful and friendlier. My daughter is a freshman at Dartmouth right now and loving it.</p>