<p>My impression of Columbia was exactly the same as yours (pseudo-intellectual+very stuck up) when I first visited and it was the first to go off my list. However, some of the greatest kids I personally know go to Columbia so I wouldn’t refrain from applying to Columbia because of the kids. Also, remember they are prospective, not admitted students so I wouldn’t worry too much. Stanford is very much known for its emphasis on interdisciplinary studies so you really can’t go wrong there. Furthermore, Stanford offers an international relations major which would probably suit your interests. Lastly, this “core curriculum” may sound great on paper but it is a significant part of your courseload at Columbia, not so at Stanford. At Stanford, there is SLE as you already mentioned and for those less liberal-arts inclined there’s IHUM. However, even though it is a part of your courseload, the requirements aren’t in anyway taxing after your freshman year at Stanford. I hope this cleared things up a bit!</p>