<p>Before prying loose the mailbox this afternoon, I was firmly set upon Columbia. The multifarious cultural opportunities of NYC, the Core, Columbia's lack of tedious school spirit (in the traditional guise), the prestige of the university, and salience of the humanities in Columbia College all converged to give me an agreeable impression of the university. Furthermore, the cost of attendance would total to approximately $12,000. I soon began to envision my time at Columbia as blithely as Sinatra once sang of the immutable city.
As a resident of North Carolina, Chapel Hill had been Columbia's only competitor (Cornell, in my opinion, was far too large and remote). However, despite those around me lauding UNC and boasting of its caliber, I never seriously contemplated it (though I was highly impressed after Scholarship Day).
My assurance was made tenuous after the arrival of a letter by post -- a letter which congratulated me for being named a Carolina Scholar and bestowed a (virtually) full scholarship.
Ambivalence had stolen into my penetralium as ravening suitors clamoring for Penelope.
Thus, my entreaty is simply one asking for counsel.
For clarification, my intended major falls within either the realm of Literature, English, and Philosophy or Calculus and Physics. I do aspire to undertake graduate school after my undergraduate experience, and desire the credentials most salubrious to future degrees. I can provide additional details if necessary.
Thank you for suffering through this vichyssoise; moreover, I am appreciate of the time spent on any responses.</p>
<p>Hey Paul, I was in kind of the same situation as you. I live in NC and was invited to scholarship day on the 30th, but I chose not to even go because i didn’t want to take someone else’s scholarship. What made Columbia such a clear choice for me over Chapel Hill is simply the opportunities it will give me. Though the name recognition of UNC in-state is undeniably high and the school is well-respected (except for silly sports rivalries), if you plan to live or go to school in another state, I would recommend choosing Columbia. The core really cannot be matched, and the students there will probably be more around your level. If you were paying full tuition to Columbia I’d advise you to weigh your options more carefully and perhaps choose UNC, but the $12k per year will repay itself many times in your life, I’d expect. But good luck deciding :)</p>
<p>Thank you for your thoughtful answer. Yes, I do plan to move out of state, and forgot to consider that the reputation of Chapel Hill becomes less distinct as one leaves the realm of the South. Hopefully, touring Columbia this weekend will render a trenchant verdict. Are you going to attend the Days on Campus?</p>
<p>12K over four years = Columbia, but if it is 12K per year = UNC.
UNC is one of the best public universities and grad schools will recognize that.</p>
<p>Only $12K for Columbia? Even $12K/year is an absolute steal (though obviously it’s related to your family income, which must be quite low for you to qualify for so much aid). I’d definitely recommend Columbia, but it’s a choice you’ll have to make. Visit both schools, etc.</p>
<p>violao - It is $12K per year. Do you have any experience with UNC?
pwoods - Thank you - and yes, I thought the same thing about being able to attend such a school for a low price. I am going to board a plane for NYC within a matter of hours, and hopefully things will be made clear after my visit. Are you currently attending Columbia?</p>
<p>I agree with pwoods. At $12k pa, Columbia is a no brainer, particularly given your academic interests. The smaller class sizes alone (not to mention being surrounded by smarter students should make this an easy decision.</p>
<p>Columbia. It’s a great name for graduate schools, especially if you plan on pursuing a graduate degree in the humanities. </p>
<p>I’d caution that Financial Aid at Columbia actually decreases your sophomore, junior, and senior years. Once you matriculate, Columbia has no incentive to actually give you the same level of aid as when you are a pre-frosh deciding between competing offers. That said, $60-65k is not too bad for a Columbia education.</p>
<p>Thank you for your helpful responses everyone. After visiting Days on Campus last weekend, I am fortunate enough to be able to claim elucidation on the matter: I will attend Columbia. The university resonated as an institution to which I would be more than grateful to ascribe my education.</p>