<p>Please comment on differences and/or similarities. What sets each college apart from the other? How does academics rate in both? what's their campus and social vibe like? does anyone regret going to NYU without trying for Columbia?</p>
<p>It depends on what you want to study. Each college plays to its strengths. NYU's biggest strength is its intimate relationship with the city and the kind of experience that provides. Many students say it feels more like they live in NYC and go to class then actually being in college. People who go to NYU are generally independent people who know what they want and want to take advantage of living in the big city and 'real life.' Columbia is an Ivy League school, so if you're a prestige 'ho, Columbia is certainly more prestigious. It provides more of a classical college education than NYU, complete with campus green, trysts in the library, and so on.</p>
<p>Academics varies from department to department and again, what you want to do. I'm in Stern, and well, Columbia doesn't have an undergrad business school, so I would've taken Stern over Columbia had I been accepted (full disclosure - not bitter, i wouldn't have applied to Columbia unless my teacher had told me I should apply). I have a friend in Stern who applied to both (and reapplied to transfer), and after being accepted as a transfer, realized that the perks and education she was getting at Stern could not be matched by Columbia, so she decided to stay. If she sees your post, she could comment much more extensively than I could on the differences. Similarly, if you want to be a studio art/film/drama major, Tisch is going to be much better than Columbia. Columbia is stronger than NYU in most liberal arts majors, things like journalism, languages, history, etc., although NYU is stronger in mathematics, and at least on par in economics. NYU also has a much stronger study abroad program, so if that is important to you, it is a consideration.</p>
<p>Columbia is Harlem, NYU is in the Village, so I would say NYU kids probably go party in the city more often, as it's much easier to find things to do in the Village than to trek down somewhere from Harlem. That being said, Columbia kids certainly know how to have fun as well, although many NYU kids think Columbia kids are too uptight. The easiest way to put it would be Columbia looks at NYU and says "We're better than you," and NYU looks at Columbia and says "We're cooler than you."</p>
<p>Columbia has a campus where everything is pretty much kept together in a clutter; there are gates and some grass. NYU is proud of the fact that the city is their campus. NYU also has more sub-colleges, like the business school or the art school, where Columbia only distinguishes between College and Engineering. Columbia has the core - a group of required humanities classes, which I don't think NYU has.</p>
<p>NYU does have a core, the Morse Academic Plan (MAP).</p>
<p>The Morse Academic Plan, is also very involved, however, Columbia revolves their whole Undergraduate education around "The Core" where with NYU, The Morse Academic Plan allows for much more flexibility within your major. In addition, it is true that NYU does not have a "gated campus" but do not let that detract you. NYU has, and even more so in the last few years, developed an incredibly strong sense of community. First off, NYU owns the third most land area/Real Estate in the city, behind the city itself and then the Catholic Church. As a result, this gives NYU a very strong and integrated voice of power in the city itself, and if you ask any resident living in the city, affiliated with NYU or not, its weight is known. In addition, it is also important to understand that NYU owns all of the Real Estate around Washington Square Park, which during the day, especially during the academic year, is occupied predominantly by NYU students, and faculty, further creating a campus feel. If you walk through the park on a beautiful crisp, Fall, day, you can see several NYU students, sprawled out on old wooden park benches, or on the various lawns scattered throughout the park. You can smell the aroma, of the venders greesy stations and people from all over the village munching. In the Park, there is always an event, whether it is a performance of some sort, an exotic dance that lasts all after noon, an art fair, a craft show, a cultural festival or concert, people are always sitting with their legs half in the fountain, engaging in some sort of intellectual discussion, or some discussion about something as insignificant as the price of pink nail polish in an old store on fourth and Broadway. People are always doing something, reading, laughing, fighting, engaging in public displays of affection. There is always an incredible sense of openness and honesty in the area, and most importantly energy booms.
NYU's Campus in a sense is actually Washington Square Park, and the several blocks which circle its perimeter. In addition, in recent years NYU has launched some very impressive initiatives in order to enhance the sense of community in the area. One project, recently finished, was/is the establishment of The Kimmel Center, which serves as the center for all University Life, and is really nestled in the central location of the park, establishing NYU's clear control and dominance. In addition, NYU has made in possible for a majority of Faculty and Freshman students to live either on the park or very close by. There are specifically three freshman only dorms(Goddard, Hayden, and Weinstein),on the park, and they are also in the process of creating/building several more. In addition, faculty live in the famous "Row" and in other buildings surrounding the parks outskirts. Finally, what is really important is to decide whether or not you are ready for the non-stop energy The Village, Washington Square Park, and NYU's immersion in it, provides for you as a student. As a student, you will be stimulated all of the time. This is obviously not just in the classroom, but most importantly when you walk out the door. This is probably the main difference between both NYU and Columbia. It is clear that in either school you will receive an excellent education and competitive name recognition, however you need to decide whether or not you, as an individual can handle the pace of a more ecstatic environment</p>
<p>that was beautiful</p>
<p>This might be repeating quite a bit of what others posted, but it's just my own two cents :)</p>
<p>And, I don't know as much about Columbia as I do NYU.</p>
<p>I applied to both Columbia and NYU, so I visited both during my senior year. First of all, let's realize that both these schools are in one of the greatest metropolitan areas in the world. That in itself is amazing. However, I remember during my tour of Columbia my guide remarked that most Columbia students didn't find themselves taking the subway to Manhattan more than once or twice a week. That's pretty often, I guess, but at NYU you're always a part of the city. Why would anyone want a detached NYC experience when you can actually be PART of the city?</p>
<p>As for my own experience, I LOVE the vibe at NYU. I love just being a part of something bigger and greater than myself. And while it's not a traditional campus, it does have a deep sense of community. But, as with any college, how you fit in and how active you become is really solely dependent on what you choose to be involved in. </p>
<p>Social life, I hear, can be a blast. You name it and it can probably be found in NYC, so as long as you're willing to manage your time you can definitely get a lot out of the four years there. But if you're feeling lazy and don't want to go out, you can still have fun just hanging out and playing poker or something in your dorm!</p>
<p>As for academics, NYU is a good school. Some people complain about the M.A.P. classes being a joke, but they're a good set of courses to take. If you are in the honors program, you will be pushed to work hard. It requires a 3.65 GPA and for you to complete the honors course in your major, meaning a lengthy thesis and lots of research. Even if you aren't in a program with a GPA requirement, if you genuinely want to learn, you will learn so much! I also like the fact that we have academic advisers who are on our side and trying to support us. [Much unlike the ones I had in high school] Columbia might have those too, but the one I had at orientation really cared about getting me off to a good start.</p>
<p>That's another thing, NYU has so many programs to just make sure that you are OKAY. From F.Y.R.E. to P.A.L.S., it seems like they are making an honest effort to support the incoming freshman. I even hear that Mr. Sexton [president] socializes with the students and has an apartment somewhere on WSP. While most are aware that there is some red tape involved in trying to communicate with certain departments, NYU at least makes that effort. </p>
<p>I'll be honest, when I got rejected from Columbia I was devastated. In the end I chose between NYU, Berkeley and UPenn. Even though the other two are great schools, I wanted something different! I love Berkeley and Philly, but what compares to NYC? I'm glad I chose NYU because I know that there will never be a dull moment! </p>
<p>The price tag, if it's an issue, is pretty high. But for most of my friends [and myself], NYU managed to provide a pretty good financial aid package. I don't know about the aid at Columbia, but both schools tuition/fees/housing total about the same.</p>
<p>Also, if you're into musicals/movies, NYU hooks up their students, which is always GREAT! AND, who knows if one of the students you see everyday or who lives two doors down could be the next big movie star or journalist? </p>
<p>And, last but not least... your room gets its own bathroom. AKA, the only person you'll have to work a shower schedule out with is your roommate! This reason is a bit superficial, but hey, my friends always envy the fact I don't have to buy a shower caddy :)</p>
<p>Again, most of my knowledge about Columbia is limited to my research and their website. If you want more of a traditional experience with a heavier emphasis on academics, it could be for you. I have a few friends who go there and they love it, but now that I've had a glimpse of the NYU environment, I'm 100% sure that it is the right place for me.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision [I'm assuming you are not in college yet?] and make sure you visit both campuses before you decide between the two!</p>
<p>And seriously, NYU is just plain fun!</p>
<p>Thank you for all the responses! You guys were very helpful and informative. After intense research and soul searching, I've decided to apply apply early decision to NYU. Wish me luck! </p>
<p>And thanks again for your insights... NYU is the college for me. :)</p>
<p>Yessss!!!!! You Are Awesome Curious 2005!!! Good Luck On Your Application to Nyu!!!</p>
<p>I Am Starting This Fall And I Am So Excited. Hope To See U Next Year!</p>
<p>And Dont Forget: Nyu Is The #1 Dream School :)</p>
<p>easilyamoosed, Columbia students don't have to take the subway to Manhattan. Columbia is in Manhattan! :) In terms of location alone, because everyone has to find the best academic fit for themselves, both NYU and Columbia are in great locations. Neither is really better than the other, both have pros and cons about the part of the city they're in. So, to the OP, don't think that being in the Village is better than Morningside Heights, it's just different.</p>
<p>morningside heights may be in manhattan, but its in harlem! eeewwww! and scary. some nyu students are actually AFRAID to take the subway to that area!!!!</p>
<p>Wow, brwneyes, very mature. Actually, Morningside Heights is not IN Harlem, it's a distinct neighborhood of its own which borders Harlem. It also borders the Upper West Side. Perhaps you should have a look at a map if you're moving to the city in a couple of weeks. :) Lastly, people who are afraid to take the subway to Morningside Heights have no business living in a city of 8 million people.</p>
<p>In all honesty, Morningside Heights does not, and will never have the historical depth, intrigue and bulging energy found in the deep Greenwhich Villlage, and regardless of what you believe, the locations are VERY different.</p>
<p>Which is pretty much exactly what I said, Mike. I have lived in the city my entire life, growing up on the Upper East Side and going into sophomore year at NYU in Sept. The areas are, like I said, different. That doesn't make one better than the other. There are people at Columbia who love their defined campus and there are people at NYU who love the lack of one. Students at both can enjoy all that NYC has to offer.</p>
<p>haha sorry, my nyc lingo needs a bit of work. I just meant the general vibe i got from what my Columbia tour guide told me was that the students in his sphere of observation didn't really find themselves exploring that often. Maybe the types of people at each university are geared towards different things? My guide could also have been wrong. I'm sure both schools have lots of NYC to offer, I know for sure they're both great schools.</p>
<p>And, curious, good luck with your application!</p>
<p>easilyamoosed, I got the same vibe from the Columbia tour guide. From what he was saying, Columbia students in general tend to stay on the campus. Good luck, curious; I'm applying ED too so I hope I'll see you in about a year!</p>
<p>For like 24 hours I had the Columbia bug. But it's all NYU now. :)</p>
<p>I heard the work load at Columbia was a b****, but NYU probably isn't that bad, is it? Maybe Stern?</p>