<p>Which has better academics, prep for foreign service and international languages? Thanks -
they are very two different programs, and I can't believe I was admitted to both.</p>
<p>Hi Maple53-
I live literally next door to Brown. I can right into the dorms from my window, I run/walk my dog through the campus everyday, 6 of my classmates are going there and a lot of my teachers are either current Brown students or alum. I was accepted at Columbia too (my first choice) and that’s where I am going, but Brown is an excellent institution. THe main difference (that I’m sure you already know) is either an incredibly strict curriculum or an incredibly relaxed “curriculum” (or lack thereof). If you can see yourself enjoying the Core curriculum over your own independently-designed curriculum, then choose Columbia. If not, choose Brown. Also, Providence is an excellent college town; if I hadn’t lived here on College Hill (Brown & RISD) for the past 5 years, I might have wanted to go the Brown more. Providence is small, but there are so many opportunities. It’s also not nearly as intimidating as NYC can be for some people. However, my cousin went to Brown undergrad and she said that loved it there, but she felt sometimes like she was drifting and losing focus, because the open curriculum was so different that what she was used to. Also, my father’s friend is a Princeton professor and back in the fall when I deciding where to apply early decision (either Brown or Columbia), he told me that “you couldn’t get Columbia professors to come teach at Brown.” I don’t know if that’s biased, but that stuck with me. Another big plus of Columbia is NY; there is an opportunity for absolutely anything (I lived in NY until I was 13) and Providence simply doesn’t have as much to offer. One last thing is that Columbia does not let grad students teach their classes (except for Core classes) and Brown does. Lastly, Brown is really suffering financially right now, so if financial aid is an issue for you family, Columbia (which is significantly wealthier) is probably more apt to give you a better package. So it comes down to this (because, frankly, you’re going to get an excellent education at both universities):
- Curriculum: Strict vs. loose? (if you’re very self-motivated, Brown could be fine)
- Place: Providence vs. NYC? (go visit both, as I’m sure you probably plan on doing)
-Pvd is much more of a “college town” than Morningside Heights is, if that’s what you want- although, their both very campus-centric/“cozy” schools - Money
Personally, I’d go with Columbia, but that’s just me…
GOOD LUCK! and CONGRATULATIONS- even though it’s a hard decision to make, it’s not a bad one. i know many who would die to be in your shoes.</p>
<p>Thank you for your very thoughtful reply. I had never been to NYC and traveling by cab through Harlem was eye-opening. The noise was constant. My mom and I spent 2.5 days
there, walking Morningside Heights, eating in lots of different restaurants, taking both the bus and metro to museum district and shopping area at 59th. It was becoming less overwhelming by the time I left. Having lived there, do you think you ever grow to love NYC? My brother went to Brown - so I have a positive feeling for the campus. Good luck and congratulations to you. What will you be studying?</p>