Cornell vs. Columbia: science departments?

<p>I'm wondering which school has the better biological sciences department. I want a school with good sciences, research opportunities, good professors and dedicated students.
I know Columbia would be much harder to get into, but if Cornell has better overall sciences then I should probably apply there. Thanks!</p>

<p>Both schools are outstanding with respect to sciences. Two issues to consider are whether you can get admitted to one or both, and, if admitted to both, urban or rural location.</p>

<p>For Biology I would say Cornell... for Earth Science and Physics I would say Columbia. Both of them have excellent departments in all sciences though, so if I were you I'd apply to both, see what happens, and if you get into both, make your decision based on other factors.</p>

<p>i think cornell has the slight edge in biology, but they're both such good schools that the difference probably isn't important. you'll have good people and research opportunities at both (check out columbia's SURF). </p>

<p>it might be a better idea to make a decision based on which school you like better. personally, i'm planning to study bio or neuroscience, and my top choice is columbia. i'm not applying to cornell because i can't stand rural schools.</p>

<p>Cornell is investing 400 million in its life sciences programs. Includes new bio building.</p>