Guys I just got off Princeton’s waiting list. I still love Columbia, and I am even part of the Scholars Program there, but Princeton has always been my dream school. Any advice??
What are you planning to major in? Does financial aid differ? Do you want to be in the heart of Manhattan or in rural New Jersey? Prestige is out of the question as both colleges are equal, and you should be considering other factors. Have you visited both?
International Relations/PoliSci/Econ maybe. Financial aid is the same, but Columbia doesn’t ask me to work-study for my first two years. The city is amazing, but I appreciate the calmness of a smaller town because I’m coming from one. I’ve only visited Columbia.
Congratulations on such wonderful problems! Avoiding work-study is a real plus. You then will have more time to take in the perks of NYC. Central Park is the “rural” in NYC and it’s really big. Most people really can’t grasp the size through a picture. Columbia will treat you special in the scholar program and at Princeton you will be another student. I’d get the free tshirt from Princeton and stay at Columbia. Good luck deciding!
That’s really helpful @MomEof3!! Thank you!
Unlike MomEof3, my understanding is that the named scholarships aren’t really a big deal at Columbia. It really doesn’t change the Columbia experience beyond the freshman seminars. Since faculty are readily accessible, there aren’t any secret doors opened. It is a recognition that you’re one of the top admits to the school and you should be super proud.
The two schools are pretty different in terms of setting and culture. My preferences are probably radically different than yours. If Princeton is your first choice, you should go. It’s your dream school for a reason.
Honestly, i would not turn down Columbia. But, if at all possible, get yourself to Princeton this week…like immediately…walk the place…see what you think…then pull the lever.
Well, the independent nature of a Columbia students doesn’t really make it of the Scholars Program a huge deal, but we get funded opportunities/internships over the summer, lectures with selected speakers, and a personal adviser, @DMVParent22. And yes, the fact that I received I likely letter from Columbia and that I am part of the Scholars Program makes me feel wanted. Nonetheless, Princeton is an amazing option, and, like I said, has been my dream school. @SouthernHope Definitely, I plan on visiting sooner than later. (The deadline is May 15)
@spaniardguy I feel the undergraduate focus, quality and resources at Princeton and the resulting opportunities, combined with Princeton’s stronger name and the fact that it has always been your dream school, makes it a more attractive choice than Columbia. Sure the scholars program at Columbia is great and will give you more individual focus and opportunities compared to a typical Columbia student, but i don’t think the comparison holds when comparing to to Princeton. Plus your heart seems to be set at Princeton.
I’m choosing Columbia. NYC here I come!
@spaniardguy - My daughter has just received a likely letter and been named a Davis scholar at Columbia - what has been your experience this year? Are you happy with the choice you made? Can’t wait to hear!
@chanrooster First of all, congratulations to your daughter!! She should be really proud, as only a small percentage of applicants receive likely letters. My experience this past year has been amazing. I can’t fully describe how much I love Columbia and New York City. My experience so far has been life-changing and I can’t see myself attending a different school. I will say that freshman year is full of excitement and newness but also stress in adaption. This is will happen to every freshman, no matter the school. I do believe that I made the right choice by coming to Columbia. The community here is unique, and NYC only enhances my academic career even more. Regarding the scholars’ program, I think I’ve enjoyed the most participating in the Columbia Journey Seminar that every freshman has to take and attending some of the talks-- both have expanded my knowledge of the city, the university, and have even pushed me to engage with my professors and grow as an individual. Ultimately, I would highly recommend for your daughter to come to campus and see everything by herself! Good luck with decisions!