<p>I know that Columbia is an Ivy League and more prestigious, but I was wondering which would be a better experience overall. Or at least what would be the major difference between the experience at the two. Oberlin is very appealing since it's progressive and allows their students to explore and create their own experience. I might worry that Columbia is too rigid or too impersonal?</p>
<p>The two schools could scarcely be more different. Urban v rural, Natl. university v. LAC, structured curriculum v open, etc. If Oberlin appeals to you more, don’t let the brand of Columbia dazzle you.</p>
Bumpin, I’m a composer and the education I’d get at both places is pretty much the same - what else will be different?
Being in NYC is a major part of the Columbia experience. For one of my kids, that’s what made him choose Columbia. Another, who didn’t want such an urban environment, chose a different school. Also, look at the Core classes and think about whether the idea of taking them does or doesn’t excite you.
Apples and oranges? My best friend of sixteen years goes to Oberlin and I go to Columbia–I have a pretty good sense of the two schools. “The education I’d get at both places is pretty much the same.” Wrong. Columbia’s Core Curriculum means that no matter what you major in, you will be receiving perhaps the best education offered at any school in the United States. The Core Curriculum will give you intellectual confidence, an expansive global perspective, and a life changing understanding of what it means to be human, where we are as humans and how we got here. Columbia is an exceptionally challenging school–I have a 4.0 and that meant getting to the library at 6:30 EVERY morning. I studied harder than I ever imagined I could and I was challenged more than I ever imagined. Furthermore, you will be among extremely competitive students. I have seen everyone I know break down (and we’re not just talking a bit of crying here and there) from stress. The competition pulses through the campus and makes its way into so many conversations. Columbia isn’t for the faint of heart.
Oberliln by contrast is a much more accepting environment with a much less comprehensive curriculum. Sure, it is great for a composer, but if that’s what you’re into, have you considered the Juilliard program at Columbia? I’m not trying to convince you to go to Columbia or Oberlin but you need to be realistic. If you’re a composer and you can’t get into the Juilliard program at Columbia, then you are probably going to feel pretty lousy when you’re there because you will be around people who are far more talented (everyone at Columbia is around people who are far more talented, more successful, more hard working). If you have a laid-back attitude (and you seem to from your diction/question/etc.) then you should probably go to Oberlin where people think alike. Oberlin is a great school and not easy to get into, but trust me, it is nothing like Columbia.
Finally, you mention the “prestige” of Columbia as what sets it apart form Oberlin. It’s prestigious for a reason–it is incredibly academically rigorous and difficult to get into. Prestige doesn’t just exist, it exists for a reason you will understand that reason once you’re in Butler Library at 3 a.m. and it smells disgusting because people practically live there but they are working hard, they are working for their futures. Also, Oberlin was recently ranked with the worst return on investment soooooo…
^elle - when you look back will you consider attending Columbia a positive or negative experience?
Re#4:
"Oberlin was recently ranked with the worst return on investment soooooo… "
soooooo… indeed
http://www.carbonated.tv/lifestyle/in-defense-of-oberlin-part-2-daily-beasts-rankings-only-tell-half-the-story
Obie of D1s close acquaintances turned down Columbia Law school in part due to reputation of being surrounded by a huge cadre of people who were, essentially, full of thermselves. You’d think other top law schools would equally share that rep. but actually it seems they don’t. Wonder what the most represented undergrad school there is…
Probably true that person worked somewhat less in college, though still plenty. A conscious choice that had no discernable penalty, for someone who had what it takes.
The Core is indeed a distinguishing feature. For those who want that, there should be no better choice. However, if most people affirmatively wanted it, more colleges would offer it. But they don’t.
For elleruthking to think she is an expert on a school she doesn’t even attend is absurd, even if she does have a friend who goes there. I don’t even know why she’s still on here if she is a current college student. Probably still sour after being spurned by HYPMS soooooo…
I transferred from a pretty respectable school (ranked about 50th) to Columbia. I can’t speak too much about the core at Columbia, but you will be surrounded by the smartest people you have and will probably ever meet in your life at Columbia. The difference between a top 10 school and a top 50 school is enormous.
And yes, it is incredibly challenging. You will never feel more inadequate. It’s amazing.
Although you guys are a bit late (I had to make decision June 1), thank you for the advice nonetheless. Just FYI, I ended up choosing Columbia. Since then, I’ve already, before even getting on-campus, gotten to write a soundtrack for an award-winning filmmaker, and have made contact with some pretty well-respected composers… Seems like that speaks for itself, although Oberlin is also an amazing school and I’m sure I would’ve been given similar opportunities there. Still feeling some regrets about my decision, but overall I’m satisfied.
Congratulations on your choice. So much of school is what one makes of it, I’m sure you will have a great experience at Columbia.
Dear, what elle said is so shilly, and that’s coming from a Columbia student. I would advise you not to take her attitude (Butler at 6:30 every morning, FEEL THE COMPETITION RUNNING THROUGH YOUR VEINS) I mean jeez, it feels like a Powerbar commercial. Just try your best to enjoy your time here.
And for the record, Nobody I have met is nearly as competitive as elle describes. Many people are laid back and tend to steer clear of the ferocious academic beasts. People are actually extremely supportive in my experience, but maybe I have a knack for meeting good people.
@Tshiknn, congratulations on your decision! I think Columbia is a great choice. Oberlin would have been a great choice too - this is one of those situations where there wasn’t a wrong choice - and I know you had some other terrific options as well. The one thing I would encourage is that you not have any regrets about your decision. Having made the choice, you should only look forward and never look back. You have a world of opportunities awaiting for you at Columbia, and in NYC, and it sounds like you’re already grabbing some of those opportunities. Trust that it’s going to be an amazing four years.