<p>The original poster needs to be more specific with why he/she asked the question in the first place. Is he/she choosing between both schools? Columbia and MIT have different strengths in different areas. While MIT tops in tech fields, Columbia core curriculum can make it attractive for someone seeking a breadth of knowledge across a diverse array of subjects. I believe Columbia college also offers a smaller student body. There's much more pro and con for both schools of course.</p>
<p>Need to visit each. In terms of prestige, I would say it is a wash, except if you are talking in engineering (it's not like its MIT v. Penn). Didn't Spidey and a number of other "characters" go to Columbia...</p>
<p>I don't think anyone should use prestige as a the reason for picking a school when you are dealing with the best schools in the country.</p>
<p>FOr instance, no other school can hold a candle to Harvard in terms of prestige, but will that be a sufficient reason not to go to Stanford!?</p>
<p>In terms of student life and opportunity to take other classes while still focusing on engineering, how does Fu compare to civil engineering at MIT? I’m not sure if I definitely want a career in engineering. I’m not a science lover either or am super excited by doing research.</p>
<p>This is not an indicator of school quality for ANY school, but I must say–MIT has better prefrosh propaganda than any school I’ve ever heard of! I know it’s gotten me hooked 
Even after a deferral and rejection. But I digress…</p>
<p>Jewel63, it sure sounds like you are obsessed with one school (MIT). Maybe its time to move on—they looked at your app twice and said no. There are plenty of good schools out there other than MIT, especially if math is not your strong suit. MIT guys make up integrated calc problems to amuse themselves while walking to class…just sayin’, its probably a blessing in disguise you aren’t there</p>
<p>ah, come on folks, there is no comparison</p>
<p>MIT is much better than Columbia</p>
<p>“MIT is much better than Columbia.”</p>
<p>Everyone in his/her right mind realizes this–which is why this thread died.</p>
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Which is why Columbia wins. The actual discrepancy between Columbia and MIT in MIT’s strengths is less than the discrepancy between Columbia and MIT in MIT’s weaknesses.</p>
<p>^Yeah, because MIT DOESN’T EVEN HAVE a lot of the humanities departments that Columbia possesses so obviously Columbia comes out on top with regards to the liberal arts. However, both of these schools do offer engineering and in this regard, the Fu school is like the Chicago Fire and MIT is like FC Barcelona if you catch my drift.</p>
<p>I resent Emory being used in such an example. What’s with the “even”? Its as if its a horrible school.</p>
<p>Anyways, MIT definitely has more name recognition and prestige… but I don’t think MIT is “much” better than Columbia… they’re both amazing.</p>
<p>I would pick Columbia over MIT. Columbia has excellent science/engineering programs as well as arts/humanities and it’s located in NYC! Great combination IMO.</p>
<p>MIT is better in terms of location. The streets are quiet and safe. Good for studying. Columbia is located in one of worst community in NYC (high crime rate). There aren’t many great restaurants, clubs, cafes, or supermarkets around Columbia. My friends are scared to walk outside of the campus after 8. And the girls always take the 1 train for 30 minutes to downtown 14 st to buy grocery.</p>
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<p>what year are we talking about 1977? 1985? The precinct that columbia is located in is actually one of the top 10 safest in New York, and New York is the safest big city in the US. In my four years I’ve never heard or seen any girl or any person go to 14th street for groceries. I have no clue who your friends are, but right now the sun is still up at 8pm, and even in the dead of winter the streets are filled with people at 8pm.</p>
<p>I’ve rarely read something this absurd.</p>
<p>Ignore johnnydrake’s single post on this website. I like the MIT location, but it’s adjacent to a corporate business park, and one of Cambridge’s main thoroughfares runs through the middle of campus. The number of good (yet inexpensive) restaurants, clubs, cafes and supermarkets near Columbia are countless. Anyone afraid to walk off campus after 8 should not attend either Columbia or MIT.</p>
<p>I’d say MIT is more well known [and prestigious where I live] but that said, I would choose Columbia over MIT. </p>
<p>I like the core and I want to major in engineering as well as creative writing, while MIT would be too “techy” for my liking.</p>
<p>It’s so easy!</p>
<p>Just go to the one that gives you better financial aid!</p>