Choosing between Duke and Columbia

College Search & Selection
1

Hi CC community,

I’m facing the (fortunate) issue of choosing between Duke and Columbia for fall 2020 transfer as an incoming sophomore. I have my own thoughts, but I’m hoping someone can offer a different perspective on the issue.

Intended major: CS, maybe a minor in entrepreneurship/bioinformatics
Graduate school? Hopefully a good school in machine learning/computer vision. If I decide to try starting up a company, then grad school goes down in priority.
Other interests: Entrepreneurship/business
Background: I have experience in competitive programming and I enjoy taking hard classes (took intro ML as a freshman) regardless of GPA outcome (although I have a decent amount of confidence in my abilities). My work ethic is in good shape.

Duke:

  • (important) Less crowded CS program than Columbia I think. This might make taking popular electives like computer vision easier than Columbia.
  • The CS program looks less interesting than Columbia’s. Columbia’s course offerings are very impressive.
  • (important) Likely easier to get into research with profs.
  • I couldn’t care less that it isn’t as highly ranked as Columbia. I want a place that fits me.
  • I’m not very fratty, will be hard for me socially as a transfer student sigh. This is not terribly important and will not be a tipping factor in my choice.
  • Good spirit, huge alumni network, good vibes overall
  • Research triangle park!

Columbia: (this will be longer because I’m comparing with Duke)

  • Core + technical Core requirements will be demanding, willing to overlook for other academic factors. I applied understanding this completely. Not gonna lie I might be set back a step at Duke bc their CS dept. is strict with prereqs and stuff owie.
  • More faculty in machine learning/AI with good research output. This is semi-important as having good research advisors puts me in a good position for grad school. Then again, Duke’s ML/AI research is nothing to scoff at.
  • (important) I hear it can be hard to find research at Columbia bc there are tons of undergrads all cramming for hot research positions. I’m not sure at the validity of this.
  • (important) My first year as a sophomore will be dominated by huge waitlists in CS classes. I’m not sure when I’ll even be able to take popular courses like Deep Learning (end of junior year??). If research positions require background in ex. deep learning, I’m screwed.
  • NYC!
  • I have a few friends attending and in the CS program :smile:
  • 10k+ more expensive than Duke :disappointed:. I’m grateful that my parents are willing to pay for each year of undergrad except my last, which I will take as a loan.

Both school’s have great resources and tech industry recruiting etc… In the end, perhaps there’s no wrong choice to make. But hopefully I can make a choice most optimal for where I want to be. Thanks everyone who has input!

  • A very big cat indeed
2

I think you’ll be fine coming in as a sophomore. Keep in mind that all of the other sophomores have just moved from east campus to west campus. There’s always a shake-up in the social scene each fall as sophomores make new friends on west campus. Given that students won’t have been on campus since early March, I think that will be especially true this year.

3

Research triangle.

4

Over New York? :smiley:

5

My point is that it is important to get experience applying one’s knowledge. If you can get equal opportunities in New York City, then it becomes a matter of personal preference plus $10,000 per year.