<p>Waitlisted at Columbia and Duke. Accepted at UMichigan. </p>
<p>Can anybody comment/compare/advise as to where would be best for Mech Engineering? Also, any comments would be appreciated on comparing the non-academic aspects of these three fantastic schools (fun, balance, overall college experience.)</p>
<p>It sounds like you have some great choices! I’m a student at Columbia, so maybe I can help you with that part of your dilemma. If you become a Columbia engineer, your experience will not only include an incredible engineering program, but will also mold you into a well-rounded scholar. Engineering students at Columbia have to take about 1/3 of the Columbia College Core, giving them a solid background in the humanities, as well as their engineering knowledge.</p>
<p>In terms of fun and balance, you really can’t beat New York City. If you’re looking to be in an urban environment with endless choice, this is the place to be. There is certainly something for everyone, on campus and beyond. I think that at Columbia you’ll find that balance is pretty good. Obviously, it’s a prestigious school and the academics are challenging, so students work very hard. However, in my experience, we also play hard. You’d be hard-pressed to find a weekend that my friends and I aren’t exploring a new bar or restaurant, going to some kind of festival somewhere in the city, or seeing a concert or a play.</p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>I got accepted to both Columbia and Michigan, and no doubt I am going to Columbia. First, I live in NYC, so of course Columbia, but more importantly, you will have tons of job opportunities!!!</p>
<p>Michigan is a massive state school in a very cold place. It’s good for Mech E, but Columbia is better all round. The students in Columbia SEAS are more qualified. Both will give you good job opportunities. The difference is at Michigan mech engineering a greater % of students want to apply their degree to traditional mechanical engineering, at Columbia you have the lure of wall street, law school, med school etc etc.</p>
<p>The atmospheres are poles apart.</p>