<p>My daughter got in Columbia and Dartmouth, as a father I would like to know what you prefer one over the other? Both a good schools, my daughter loves science and will probably go medical later.</p>
<p>congrats.</p>
<p>you must be very proud.</p>
<p>one has an idyllic college campus…one has NYC.</p>
<p>…I figure there is plenty enough time for NYC.</p>
<p>CONGRATS! PM Slipper who started at Columbia and transfered to Dartmouth.</p>
<p>That would be Slipper1234. he started at Columbia, transferred to Dartmouth, and then went back to Columbia for grad school.</p>
<p>You should read Slipper 1234’s long history of prior posts. I think you will see why he preferred Dartmouth for his undergraduate education. However, your daughter should visit both campuses and spend time with other students to get a sense of which environment bests suits her personality. After each campus, she should ask whether she can see herself there for the next four years. Each will provide an excellent education and graduate opportunities, so the decision will need to be made on a more personal basis.</p>
<p>I second what Dartmouthdad says, although I would take slipper 12434’s posts with a grain of salt since your D should not be swayed by the opinion of someone who was in the wrong environment for themselves and decided to transfer.</p>
<p>The schools are quite different in many respects. They are in opposite geographical environments, Columbia has the core, Dartmouth has a much more active Greek life, Dartmouth has the quarter system, the weather is different, the ease of getting to/from the schools is different, etc. Both are academically strong, but they attract different types of students. She should go to the admitted student days for each. She will come home knowing which feels right for her.</p>
<p>Thanks again to everyone for your comments; I would like to provide another update. We just received a package from Dartmouth saying that my daughter qualifed for an endowed scholarship. We also received news from Columbia a few days ago informing us that she qualifed as a rabi scholar. We’re new to these programs as well but are very excited. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Your best bet would definitely be to visit because the schools are as different as night and day. The upside to Columbia is NYC is right at your doorstep. The downside is that Columbia is right at yoru doorstep. This factor alone contributes to a less than cohesive community of learners.</p>
<p>For my kid, Columbia was not even an option because she did not want her entire educational carrer to take place on the island of Manhattan. She knew she was coming home to NYC after graduation so she wanted what she thought was a “true” college experience. She had 4 great years in Hanover and has never looked back. Happily working in NYC hanging out with a lot of transplanted NYCers who came to live here after graduation.</p>
<p>Find out what your D wants or needs in her college experience. Educationally, there is no “wrong” choice between the 2 schools, because she will have a great education at both if it is her desire to have one. Also keep in mind that education takes place both in and outside of the classroom and she needs to decide what factors are important to her.</p>