Columbia Egleston Scholar vs. Stanford vs. MIT

Hello,

I am looking to study either Computer Science or Bio(medical)engineering as an undergraduate. I am more prepared for Bioengineering, having done neuroscience research at Cornell and lots of biology studies in high school, but no more than beginner CompSci classes (but I’m still very interested in it). I think I want to enter the tech/business specter post-college. Currently I have narrowed down my college decisions to Columbia (Egleston Scholar), Stanford, and MIT and am having trouble which to pick.

At Columbia, I was named an Egleston Scholar. With that said, the program provides access to:
A $10,000 stipend for academic and research endeavors; Guaranteed research opportunities during the school year and summer; A team of advisors and a faculty mentor to help each Egleston realize her or his academic and professional goals; A first-year research and leadership seminar, establishing the foundation of a four-year honors community.
Columbia is also great for its location in New York, prime for business/entrepreneurship. Many students study economics (minor) and the research opportunities are great, especially as an Egleston Scholar. Coming from living in a suburban area outside San Francisco, New York seems like a great/exciting place to spend my undergraduate years. Columbia is also arguably the artiest of the three, which I appreciate as a classical pianist. The Core at Columbia is unbeatable, and would provide me great liberal arts classes. As an Egleston, I stand out as an engineer, and value that distinction.

At Stanford, I value its prestige and opportunities in the state of California. I know that there is a great alumni program in the state, and that they really do everything they can to help students. Anything I study at Stanford would be great, and they offer a co-term program to get a master’s degree in only 5 years. I talked to students who do Bioengineering undergraduate and master in CompSci, which seems interesting and would allow me to study both things I want. The Stanford campus is much more laid-back to me, biking around is the norm for travel around campus, and the campus is spectacular. However, I will be staying more on campus than I would at Columbia, and not have as many fun opportunities as in New York. I’ve heard their advising is equal to what Columbia offers, but am not entirely sure/convinced that is true. At Stanford, I’m more of an average engineering student. Stanford is also close to home (a plus for my parents), but many people have encouraged me to spend my undergraduate years in somewhere new and I can always return to Stanford for grad school or work.

MIT perhaps offers the most prestigious engineering degree, but I also want a great liberal arts background and don’t connect as much with the student body. However, I would not be opposed to going there it that would provide the best opportunities for me.

I talked to current Eglestons at my visit, and they are all great students, creating start-ups, doing high-end research, etc. Stanford students are all obviously amazing and provide a very welcoming community. I appreciate the environments at both Columbia and Stanford. My only concern is how well the Egleston program is known across the United States? They say its well known in New York and if a company does not know what it is when they see it on a resume, Columbia will include access to information about the prestige and selectiveness of the program. However, I am concerned how this compares to coming out of Stanford and applying for a job. Everybody recognizes the prestige from Stanford. Where would I have the best opportunities? Which would help get me the best job? Which should I pick ultimately?

Thanks for any input!

Wow congrats.

First, based on your descriptions, I would rule out MIT (lol not many people can say that). So now it’s Columbia vs Stanford. In general, Stanford would be the greater option, especially for computer science/engineering, but you’re an Egleston Scholar, which makes the decision difficult. How is the financial aspect? Are they both affordable? Honestly, at this point it’s pretty much a toss up. Would you prefer warmer weather? Anyways, good luck!

Thanks for replying. Finance is equal at either option, so I’m not considering that in my decision. I’m open to either weather option if that’s a factor (Stanford’s sun is great, but real seasons (something not known in my town) at Columbia are nice too!).

Personally I’d pick Columbia. Seriously, it’s a great experience to get out there away from home and explore the world.

Seems like Columbia is the pick here.

-the away experience; chace to be more cosmopolitan and experience a different area for extended period and have a foot in both worlds if you like

-the scholars program benefits (and if you think that internal recruiters don’t know the named scholarships at top schools, then maybe you have to wonder why the company hired them and second guess working there. Also do you think Columbia students who don’t have that scholar’s program on their CV can’t get jobs? Also, relying on that is like relying on something you did in 9th grade to get into grad school–do you think you will have nothing to show for yourself after 4 years but an honor you got in HS?)

But any of these are great. First world problems! I can’t believe you are still deciding at this point!

Where do you want to end up living? East Coast or West Coast?
Sounds like you want Columbia…honestly you can go wrong at any of these schools. Seems like the support of the Egleston scholar program will be beneficial.

Congratulations!. Yes, these stellar admissions do present a dilemma in making a choice. Any one of the three will offer many great opportunities.
Stanford & MIT would offer the most opportunity in Technology. The 5 year combined BS/MS program at Stanford is a plus. MIT students (Sophomores, Juniors & Seniors) can cross register for classes at Harvard, and allows them to combine the best of engineering with great liberal arts coursework (http://web.mit.edu/registrar/reg/xreg/ugradMITtoHarvard.html). However, if you did not connect with the student body at MIT, then you have to trust your instincts.
Not to confuse further, a very recent study by the Brooking Institutions takes into consideration value added dimension that might be helpful.
http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2015/04/29-beyond-college-rankings-rothwell-kulkarni
With the information available:
Choice 1 - Stanford (laid back - transitioning from high school environment to competitive college environment may be easier)
Choice 2 - Columbia or MIT (depending on the level of antipathy to student body at MIT)
(The assumption is that all the three are equally affordable)

Good luck.