Hi! I want to apply ED to either Columbia or Brown this upcoming Fall. I got a chance to visit Columbia but not Brown due to the coronavirus. I wanted to ask:
Several buidings at Brown date back to the earliest days of the republic and they set the tone for much of the campus. The surrounding neighborhood has the feel of a historic district. By contrast, Columbia has had to relocate twice since its founding and the present site is very much a product of the prevailing Beaux Arts movement of the late nineteenth century. I like them both architecturally. Providence is not as busy as Boston.
Can’t comment on the research opportunities at either although I have to believe they exist in ample amounts for the plucky undergraduate.
I would think Columbia for research opportunities. They have a huge and storied biological sciences presence with many Nobel prize winners, including current faculty (and yes, undergrads can find positions in some of the best biological science labs there). Overall, the size of graduate programs at Columbia is much larger than Brown, and it takes in significantly more research funding (Columbia has a 4-fold or greater lead on both counts). There are slightly more undergrads at Columbia, but the amount of research faculty and funding suggest opportunities there would be plentiful. I interact with a number of faculty at Columbia in the biological sciences and often hear about talented undergrads and grad students they have working in their respective labs.
Obviously with both schools, you have not only a difference in campus context but in the curriculum options for undergrads (Columbia with its core and Brown with its open approach). Insofar as undergrad experience, I would consider which fits you best if going ED.
Personally, I preferred Brown’s campus and Providence to Columbia’s compact campus and New York City. Providence is a thriving, medium-sized college town-city. (I grew up 35 miles away from Columbia, so I might be biased toward the unfamiliar.) However, Columbia better met my daughter’s interests, academic needs, and learning style. I think you will have better research opportunities at Columbia, but I suspect that study abroad programs are great through both universities. From our experience, Columbia’s staff in several departments has been absolutely stellar. Good luck with your choice!
Columbia feels majestic and grand. Brown feels historic and charming.
Very different feeling.
There are probably more research opportunities overall at Columbia, but more opportunities for undergrads at Brown?
Brown students head to NYC or Boston for special occasions or weekends. Both are accessible. But there is plenty happening in Providence, too.
Columbia is smack in the middle of things since it is in Manhattan. That can be a blessing (internships! restaurants! theater! museums! galleries!) and a curse in terms of distraction and extra expense $$$.
Hope this helps.
Also: Columbia has required, core courses whereas at Brown you have the to study whatever sparks your curiosity outside your major.
What is your area of interest? Potential major?