I was just recently accepted to the RUE program and I am deciding between Brown and Columbia. Could anyone describe their experience at Brown? I have not had the chance to visit, but I plan to soon. I plan to study applied mathematics.
I have read a lot about the different cultures at the schools, but they are dated a few years back and I would like to hear some of the current or recent students!
This is probably too late, but both are awesome schools. Congratulations! The big difference between Brown RUE and Columbia GS is that Columbia General Studies (unlike the College) does not guarantee meeting all your financial need. For veterans with GI Bill benefits, there may not be a difference, but for many others it means a potentially huge debt load. Providence is also a much more affordable and easier place to live than NYC, if not quite as exciting. Academically, if you’re doing applied math because you’re interested in being a quant, there is a slight advantage in being close to Wall Street. If nothing else, it is far easier for a Columbia student to get an internship paying real money in NY during the academic year which opens the door for the summer slots and an eventual offer. But, there are hedge funds everywhere, including Providence so the opportunities exist there too.