Columbia vs. Stanford (Neuroscience)

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Hello! As I've frequented CC for advice throughout high school and the application process, I figured it'd be a good idea seek out help in deciding where to matriculate in the fall. I've been blessed (and cursed) with deciding between my two top choices: Stanford and Columbia. There are SO many things I've considered about both, and I'd love if some of you could guide me in my thought process as to other factors I should consider.</p>

<p>Major: Stanford offers a concentration in Neuroscience within the Biology major, whereas Columbia offers it as a major on its own. However, looking at the courses, I'm not sure how much of a difference this makes. They both have professors in my field that I'd die just to meet (Stanford's Robert Sapolsky, Columbia's Kandel and Jessel). Does anyone have any experience in either of these departments? Any pros/cons?</p>

<p>GenEd: Stanford definitely wins in this respect. Not a huge fan of the requirements of the CORE curriculum at Columbia, but I've also yet to sit in on a class. It's not that I don't value breadth in education, I'm just not big on a "one size fits all" solution. I like the relative leeway at Stanford.</p>

<p>Social: My entire extended family lives on the East Coast, and I'd love to reconnect with them. Furthermore, my closest friends all chose to move to NYC this past year and have been rooting for me to do the same. These are my lifelong friends who I'm sure I'll see during breaks and stuff otherwise, but it'd be awesome to spend such an exciting part of our lives together. However, I'm fearful that their presence might make me less inclined to branch out socially within Columbia. But I know I'd make friends at Stanford, and, in fact, I'm excited by the prospect of developing new social circles. </p>

<p>Location: I'm a rock climber. Stanford is VERY close to world-class rock climbing, whereas Columbia is 2 hours away from anything decent. I'm trying to not let this affect my decision too much, but I still think about it. Also, Stanford is closer to my home which means cheaper travel and the ability to continue developing musical projects with friends back home. Obviously, NYC is also the place to be for many reasons. If only it weren't so cold...</p>

<p>Last, and certainly not least, FINANCIAL AID:
Columbia: $2000, no work study for first 2 years.
Stanford: $8700 with work study.
WHY ARE THESE SO DIFFERENT?! Shouldn't all schools that meet 100% of demonstrated financial need be the same, especially since they are the same price? I know it may not seem like a ton of money to some, but it'd make a huge difference for my family.</p>

<p>Thanks in advance for your help. Before anyone feels that I'm unappreciative, let me remind you all: I understand that either choice is a great one--just trying to make the best decision for me.</p>

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<p>Different schools have differences in:</p>

<ul>
<li>How they calculate EFC (expected family contribution).</li>
<li>What they expect for ESC (expected student contribution).</li>
</ul>

<p>If the school gives grants so that net price <= EFC + ESC, then it can be said to “meet full need”, but the details, particularly what EFC and ESC are determined to be, can vary by school.</p>

<p>As a practical matter, it is fairly common for schools to assume an ESC of around $8,500 for typical students with no assets or income. This means that they expect students to take Stafford loans ($5,500) and work or work-study (around $3,000).</p>

<p>Of course, what your AFC (actual family contribution) and ASC (actual student contribution) are is what determines whether the net price is affordable (net price <= AFC + ASC).</p>

3

<p>If you attend Stanford, maybe you can see if the Stanford climbing wall will hire a work-study student.</p>

4

<p>Thanks so much! That makes much more sense now. But that being said, Columbia is still considerably cheaper. I was thinking about that for work-study! I’ll definitely contact the gym this coming week. That’s another nice thing, having a free climbing gym on campus…</p>

5

<p>If money is the main issue, then I suggest calling the FA office at Stanford and telling them that there is a significant difference between their offer and the one from Columbia. Be respectful and calm while asking if they could take another look at the package that they provided you. They will probably want to see the offer from Columbia. They may end up improving your offer or not. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Good luck!</p>

6

<p>@cltdad: Do you think they are being bombarded with calls of the same nature at this time? I’d like to call just for efficiency’s sake, but would emailing be more appropriate? And thanks for the advice.</p>

7

<p>While this probably is a busy period for the FA office, you should call rather than e-mail. Having a review done can take some time so it is best to be sure your request is being addressed rather than potentially waiting in e-mail limbo for a response.</p>

8

<p>Don’t turn down Columbia… Really really think about it.
Their neuroscience program is one of the top. TOP. C’mon, they have Eric Kandel!!!
Would you sacrifice this wonderful network for a “general education”?
Stanford is full of entrepreneurs (some of who dropped out to start very successful companies). If I was deciding, I’d pick Columbia, hands down.
It’s ur call but don’t regret 10 years down the road if you turn down a super fabulous neuroscience.</p>

9

<p>Columbia recently got $200 million for a neuroscience center. The program is pretty top notch from what I hear.</p>

<p>I personally prefer Stanford, but I’m a CS major. I wish Columbia put that money towards the engineering school.</p>

<p>Also, NYC has the worst weather.</p>

10

<p>The neuroscience research center won’t be open until 2016. I truly can’t find any reviews on the undergraduate study of neuroscience for both Stanford and Columbia. I’m trying to get in touch with students from the respective departments, but I’m afraid my requests will take a while to be processed.</p>

11

<p>I am a freshman at Columbia majoring in neuroscience. I chose Columbia over Stanford; both schools recruited me to row. Assuming you can iron out your financial issues, you should make your choice based on which school’s environment appeals to you most and whether you want to participate in Columbia’s Core Curriculum. These schools are quite different, as you know. </p>

<p>I would not base your decision on the strengths of these schools’ neuroscience programs. Both are outstanding though it is highly unlikely that you will get to work with Kandel and Jessel (or their equivalents at Stanford) until you are very far along in your course work. You’ll be spending the better part of your first three years grinding out basic science and general graduation requirements. </p>

<p>As to the Core, in my opinion, it’s the best general education program in the US and especially good for science majors as it will broaden you in ways that simply taking a Chinese menu of often incoherent distribution requirements won’t. But you really have to want to take the Core on. It’s rigorous and time-consuming though most Columbia students find it very rewarding. As a neuroscience major, it is providing me with wide-ranging perspectives on ideas and achievements in literature, philosophy, history, music, and art. And it is helping me think through and address broader questions at the nexus of mind, brain and behavior.</p>

<p>I recommend visting each school before making your decision.</p>

12

<p>It seems like you like Columbia more and you said it would be cheaper. I would go with Columbia.</p>

13

<p>^^ Good advice by HockeyKid.</p>

14

<p>Thanks HockeyKid, your advice is super helpful. I’ll decide after visiting Columbia this weekend.</p>