<p>I'm looking for a college that is strong in academics, specifically physics and math, but has a lot else to offer. Definitely want a fun campus, interesting/diverse people. I could go for a decent amount of parties, people who take academics pretty seriously but aren't afraid to let lose after hours. I can definitely be a slacker myself. I want a fairly attractive campus, or at least don't want myself saying how ugly the people are or where are all the hot girls. I could go for an interesting surrounding area, preferably a nice city with lots to do. I want opportunities around campus to pursue science and math topics. Involved teachers and classes that aren't too big but don't have to be really small. Friendly/nice people on campus. Applying to top colleges in my field has me a little worried about nerdy/techy campuses, I definitely don't want this and want a campus where there are a lot of people who are pursuing different interests. Also a fairly equal number of boys and girls. Good sports teams would be nice. </p>
<p>Anyways thats probably my ideal college scene. How does Columbia match up with that? What are things one should worry about or definitely look for if you ever went to visit. What are things that only a person that goes there would really know. Common misconceptions.</p>
<p>Any help would be appreciated since I am trying to cut down on my college applications, and please try to keep the bias to a minimum and don't be vague.</p>
<p>Well, for campus, it is located on the upper west side. Then again, it is Manhattan. For parties and such, manhattan does have many night clubs and bars. Other things to do include going to broadway or just going shopping. Also, there are tons of people living in Manhattan so i am sure you will be able to find people to relate with. As with surrounding area, columbia is near harlem, which in my opinion isnt really that bad nowadays. Still, you would not want to be walking in that area at night by yourself down dark alleys...</p>
<p>Columbia is definitely not a nerdy/techy campus. I think it has just about all the things you're looking for except good sports teams! I'm a Columbia student, so if that makes me biased, then ignore what I say, but I'm giving you the most objective picture that I can. Visit campus and see for yourself, but I think you'll like it.</p>
<p>There are lots of dorm parties, especially in Carman and McBain. You do need to be 21 to go to bars, but younger students somehow manage to get inside the bars anyway :)</p>
<p>My son chose Columbia with a similar list of criteria and had a great first year. I would suggest, however, you look carefully at the core curriculum. If your focus is math and physics to the exclusion of humanities, you may not want to put the time and effort into the required core classes. The core is really a significant part of the Columbia experience and it is one of the reason why Columbia doesn't feel techie, even though it's excellent in math and physics. The math and physics students it attracts are those who also want an education in liberal arts.</p>
<p>After my first year at Columbia and my experiences with hanging out extensively with upperclassmen, Columbia has everything you need from an intensive academic atmosphere to one of the most AMAZING social scene you can ask for in NYC. </p>
<p>You'll go to more than a share of nightclubs/bars/lounges/parties all over NYC as much as 3-4 nights a week whether your 18 or over 21. Columbia is for someone who knows that the best way to live life is to maintain the healthy and equal balance of a social and academic life. One doesn't work without satiating the other,
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<p>I went there and transferred after a year because I found the social scene to be lacking. I go to grad school at Columbia now and know PLENTY of people and alumni. I really think for a social/ friendly type a place like Brown, Dartmouth, Duke, Penn, Princeton, Cornell, etc might be a better fit for you. I found the city detracted, rather than added to, school spirit. I needed a place where people didnt disperse every weekend. Columbia is a great place, but honestly know that it isnt your typical college experience. Friday night the campus bars are dead (you really dont need to be 21) and the parties are NOT that great, especially compared to other schools. At Dartmouth the whole campus congregates at a few big parties and there are countless others, its like going to a miniature mardi-gras every weekend. At Columbia this happends during orientation/ rch week only, then the campus gets quiet. The environment is relatively friendly, but there are plenty of people who seem to be there just for the acadmics, more so than other comparative schools. Personally I wanted a more "laid back" environment where people worked hard but knew how to hang out together. I loved the city though, and after leaving Columbia I felt it would be a better place for grad. Truth is, for me this was the case. If you need NYC then give it a shot, but if community is your thing it isnt the place.</p>
<p>Also, freshmen seem to have a great time and all hang out locally, but the older you get students tend to clique off - as in hang out in NYC at bars/ clubs. There is PLENTY going on in NYC - but it isnt Columbia related. There are plenty of people, like Soho, who can't see themseleves anywhere else and love it. Just make sure you are one of those people.</p>