I am completely torn between Columbia and Princeton, and I have dedicated every one of my waking hours to researching both schools ever since I received my decisions. I was also accepted to Brown, Cornell ILR (as a Rawlings Research Scholar), Georgetown SFS, and UChicago, so if you have a compelling argument in favor in one of those schools, I am more than willing to hear. The easiest way to narrow down my initial list of schools is by price, and Princeton and Columbia gave me the best financial aid packages, so I am focusing on those two schools.
I will be majoring in Political Science and International Relations. My goal is to go into international development, aid, and human rights law. I plan on going to grad school and/or law school after I complete my undergrad. Since law school admissions are heavily numbers based opposed to the holistic approach undergrad admissions offices take, should I be worried about Princeton’s grading policy? I know that the grade deflation policy was recently retracted, but people still say that a GPA at Princeton would be higher at any other school in the Ivy League since the other schools have a comparatively more inflated grading system. I definitely want to be challenged in college, but I would hate to think that my chances at a top law or grad school would be higher if I had just went somewhere else. With that aside, where do you think I would receive a better education in polisci and international relations? At Columbia where I would major in political science with a field concentration in international relations and a minor in human rights, or at Princeton where I would major at the Woodrow Wilson School in Public and International Affairs? Also, where do you think I would receive the best internship opportunities and job placement? I think Columbia might have a edge to Princeton since New York City is the home to the United Nations (dream job), many different international NGOs, and maybe even Hillary Clinton’s campaign headquarters.
In terms of social scene, I think I would love both places. I love the fact New York City has so much to offer and that I would be receiving a unique undergrad experience in the city, but I also love the school spirit and traditions Princeton has to offer. One thing I do have to say is that the Princeton eating clubs (and frankly the air of elitism they give off) is slightly off putting, but I have been told that the pretentious/elitist vibe that surrounds the school is simply a stereotype.
I think you have two excellent choices, but as a Princeton alumna and the mother of two Princeton students, I am obviously biased in favor of Princeton.
In terms of academics, Princeton’s main emphasis is on undergraduate education. Professors and administration are focused on making the undergraduate academic experience as meaningful and vibrant as possible. Students frequently develop close and long-lasting ties with professors, which is a help in getting into graduate schools (recommendations are extremely important). I can’t speak for Columbia, but Woody Woo students have incredible internship and summer opportunities and an almost daily diet of speakers (check out the WWS calendar - it’s fairly amazing).
Given that there is no evidence that Princeton’s grading policy had impacted law school admissions in the past, now that grade deflation has been officially ended (which I heartily support), I can’t see that there is much reason to worry about whether your Princeton grades will keep you out of law school or reduce your chances at the top law schools.
Unlike at Columbia, where students can and often do peel off to take advantage of NYC, Princeton social life is centered on the campus, and Princeton students spend a good chunk of their time attending campus sporting, theatrical and musical events. I think this leads to a more cohesive student body - students know that their friends will come out to support them. In terms of the eating clubs, 5 of them are sign-in clubs, so anyone is welcome. And social events at eating clubs are often open to everyone, so rather than hoping that you’ll be invited to a private party you’ve heard about, you can go out with friends and roam up and down the “Street,” sampling parties at different clubs. Rather than elitist, I think it leads to a more relaxed and open social life.
Princeton is known for its loyal alumni base, but I think this is mainly because the students at Princeton are extremely happy and love the school. Are there academic challenges? Sure, but that will be true at Columbia as well. Is everything perfect? Of course not, no place is perfect. Do most students feel as if Princeton is the best choice they could have made and continue to feel that way long after they graduate? Absolutely.
Congratulations on your admission to two of the best schools in the country! There is no wrong answer here - it’s really a function of which school you can see yourself at more. Just as @midatlmom has her biases, I’m biased by the fact that my son is absolutely loving Columbia - he’s a junior now. Not that it’s relevant to your decision, but he was admitted to Harvard (my alma mater) and turned it down for Columbia and we both agree that it was the right choice for him. Whether Princeton or Columbia is the right choice for you is a question only you can answer. If at all possible, you should do revisits, spend some time talking with students, and figure out whether one school speaks to you more than the other. Fwiw, here’s a little more from what I posted in a similar Princeton v. Columbia thread last year: http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/discussion/comment/17147357/#Comment_17147357
As a recent Columbia grad, I can attest that Columbia is one of the most intellectually stimulating places anywhere. In fact, my experience at Columbia was far more enriching than I ever anticipated when I was a H.S senior. For starters, Columbia offers the storied core – which is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow and bond with everyone in your class. To the best of my knowledge, no other college – Ivy or other – offers the well rounded foundation that Columbia provides. But that’s just the start. Being in N.Y., the opportunities outside of the core are limitless. Almost everyone I know was fortunate to find enriching internships in one form or another. I dual majored in economics and math. The education that I received was second to none. The profs were exceptional. With respect to the social scene, what can I say? I’ve met my closest life friends at Columbia. I know that midatlmom suggests above that students “peel off” campus, but that’s not quite accurate. During my years at Columbia, most of the socializing was on campus, which is one of the most charmed places in N.Y… That doesn’t mean that we didn’t do things in NYC; we did. My friends and i enjoyed all kinds neighborhoods, restaurants, museums, venues and parks, but the campus was still are centrifigal hub. Columbia is also blessed with a diverse and active student body. I think more people with different backgrounds converge at Columbia than any other college. That results in a melding of perspectives and animated conversations. I can go on and on about my experience, but my advice to you is to visit all of the schools that interest you. Look around. Feel the vibes. Talk to students. Speak with the deans. And, then, follow your heart.
You sound as if you want Columbia but you are trying to talk yourself into Princeton. IMO, Columbia is what you want and it is the school you should attend.
I’m a Columbia alum. Princeton has that extra prestige which Columbia doesn’t have. If not being in NYC is a deal breaker then the choice is obvious but it sounds like you’d be happy with the campus experience at Princeton.
I hate to say this as a Columbia poli sci major, but Woody Woo is probably better if you’re really focused on a career in high level public service/international diplomacy. For example, they make you take economics and statistics.
Don’t worry about which school grades easier. The quality of the knowledge you absorb and the relationships you build are what really matter for the careers you’re targeting. “Prestige” of the two schools is roughly equal these days IMO, though Princeton used to have an edge.
I chose Columbia because I could not bear to be anywhere but NYC and I didn’t want a repetition of my prep school social experience. The social dominance of Princeton’s exclusive eating clubs is no false stereotype. “Bicker” my ___.
Why not contact the pre-law departments at both schools and ask about acceptance rates? This will give you a sense of how each prepares students for law school.