Choosing Between Yale and Columbia

College Search & Selection
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Hi all! This is my first time creating a thread, so I hope I don’t come off sounding too awkward/pretentious or anything. For a quicker read, skip the next two paragraphs.

I was one of the very fortunate individuals this March to receive acceptances from very great colleges, namely Yale and Columbia (I applied to all eight of the Ivies, for anyone who’s wondering). I’ve narrowed my decisions to the two universities, but at this point already, I’m unable to decide which one to attend. I understand that I still have plenty of time to make my decision; however, it would be very helpful to hear some of your guys’ input.

I’ve been discussing with my family members and peers about my situation, and while their suggestions have given me a better understanding of both Yale and Columbia, my opinions on either one keep swaying back and forth, day to day. I’ve been looking at past threads covering similar dilemmas, which has helped somewhat, but I know my situation is unique in many ways. Of course, universities do not have any objective pros or cons, meaning that it is crucial me to see which university “fits” better for me. I suppose I should be the one to know which university is ultimately the best choice and that I shouldn’t have someone person behind a computer make a “yes or no” decision for me. Thus to clarify, I’m simply asking for suggestions/opinions, perhaps to validate or disprove my current predispositions about Yale and Columbia.

Here is some context: I’m planning on going for a molecular biology major, leaning towards a pre-med track. Evidently, STEM and research are areas I would like to engage in, but nonetheless, I carry a diverse set of interests.

I’ve always heard of Yale as an excellent university to pursue my passions. People say that it leans towards arts and humanities, but I know Yale’s STEM program is very, very good with endless research opportunities and on-hands experiences. I never had a real “dream school”, but Yale is certainly on the top of my list. My only complaint (perhaps a fallible one), is that Yale is a bit secluded in a small city, so internships and community engagement aren’t as pronounced.

As for Columbia, I wasn’t really attached to it until quite recently. I received a likely letter back in early March and was later admitted and nominated for their distinctive “Rabi Scholar Program.” I’ve been doing a lot of research into Columbia since I received my likely, which made me kind of fall in love with the university. Note this was before I received my official acceptance from Yale, so at that time, I was expecting a rejection as Yale didn’t give me a likely. Columbia’s location is also in NYC, so I kind of have this preference towards Columbia in that respect. Then again, I’m quite iffy about Columbia’s core curriculum, since I want a more focused education for a possible pre-med track. I probably can endure well with the core: it’s not something I absolutely despise, but it’s also not something I will particularly enjoy.

Asides from the aforementioned points, I believe there is no purpose comparing the other minutiae between Yale and Columbia — both have a great focus on the sciences and can prepare students well through tons of opportunities. It’s just that I am stuck choosing between the two. Yale gave me slightly less financial aid, although I’m pretty sure I can have it matched to Columbia’s (let me know if this actually works, though). I know for many of you, the choice might sound a bit obvious — that I should choose Yale as I’ve known it for a longer time and really developed a sense of closeness to it. But still, I’m not sure whether this outweighs the perks Columbia gave me from the likely/Rabi Scholar. I guess to word it concisely for my situation: I don’t want to regret for the rest of my life that I did not get my chance to attend either Yale or Columbia due to the fact that I overlooked something.

In closing, I would like to say that in no way am I trying to demean Yale or Columbia for what kind of institution they are. Both are excellent places to pursue an education, and I’m more than blessed to have the chance to attend either of them. To many high school students, it would be a dream to be in the situation I am in, which is why I had mentioned in the preface that I hope I didn’t sound pretentious. I know many of you out there on College Confidential are honest and genuinely helpful individuals, and I feel humbled to be in this supportive community. I sincerely thank you for your replies and suggestions in advance.

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Both are great schools. There isn’t a ‘wrong’ decision here but I think a Yale undergrad degree is perceived to be more coveted / prestigious by the vast majority of people. Academics wise - they are equivalent. But, Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford and MIT are on another level based on reputation / prestige. If you are indifferent between the two choices, I’d vote Yale. Good luck. Congrats on the acceptances.

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If you’re iffy on the core, pick Yale. It’s really that simple since the core is really the major distinguishing feature between these two superb schools. Congratulations!

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More important than prestige, in my opinion, is the fact that Yale often rates pretty highly on the happiness scale for publications that track that sort of stuff, and students are likely more collaborative in their approach to learning, whereas Columbia is perceived as being a bit more intense and competitive.

Yale will provide more of a traditional campus life with residential colleges creating community, whereas much of Columbia’s campus culture and community (or relative lack thereof) lie outside its gates.

What are the real or perceived perks of the “Rabi Scholar” designation?

What are the finances like for both schools?

All things being equal, and given that you are not enamored of Columbia’s core, I’d vote Yale. New Haven is plenty urban has no shortage of research opportunities.

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what about the Columbia core curriculum gives you pause?

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Thanks everyone for the kind thoughts and opinions; I never really thought this post would garner any replies, and for that, I’m really grateful.

@VAMom23 The reason I’m a bit hesitant about Columbia’s core is that I feel like it might be restrictive for me given the STEM path I want to pursue. As well, I’m not the best when it comes to literature and humanities, so core courses covering these areas will require a bit more effort. I feel that a more liberal education can better suit the interests I have.

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@bubari It seems like you have a good sense of what will work for you. I would follow that instinct. You will be living with the core the entire time you are in school.

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I graduated from Columbia a LONG time ago, but I wanted to chime in about the core. It was honestly one of best educational experiences I have ever had. It introduced me to subjects and concepts that I would never have explored and those experiences are still paying dividends. I can understand the desire not to “waste” time on required classes when there seems to be so much else to do, but I guarantee you won’t regret going through the core.

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I believe Yale also has gen ed requirements, but they aren’t as intensive as Columbia’s core curriculum. My husband went to Columbia a long time ago. His feeling about the core is that on the one hand, it is an excellent education and he got exposed to things he might not have taken if it was an open curriculum like Brown’s. OTOH, it was limiting because it made it hard to take things he was interested in outside the cc and his major.

I’ve also heard that people tend to be happier at Yale than Columbia.

Perhaps there’s something I don’t understand about likely letters, but it seems to me that once you’re in, it doesn’t matter whether or not you got a likely letter. What perks does it provide going forward?

I’d visit both schools if you can. If that’s not possible, then based on what you’ve said, particularly about the cc, I’d advise you to go with Yale, unless the combination of the Rabi Scholar program and the difference in cost is big enough to outweigh the advantages for you of Yale.