<p>I didn't mention the core curriculum in the "Why Columbia?" section of the application. I didn't realize this until after i had already mailed in my application. Do you think this will hurt my chances?</p>
<p>I didn't and I got in ED. Different people like Columbia for different reasons.</p>
<p>No, it doesn't matter.</p>
<p>As long as you put the truth it's not going to matter.</p>
<p>Be yourself.</p>
<p>Good. My guidance counselor read my thing and said it was fine, but then, I heard the other guidance counselor in my school telling another student to make sure she mentions the Core in the paragraph.</p>
<p>Man... our school guidance counselors know Alabama, Auburn, Samford, UAB, USM, etc, but that's it. If I mentioned 'The Core' she'd almost just stare at me. No fault of hers, really, but nobody from our school goes anywhere that's anywhere. I am glad that I live in Alabama though. It makes me a white URM!</p>
<p>i think they hear too much about the core</p>
<p>I think so too. You should probably mention something outside of the Core, like a specific major they have that you find to be really appealing. It'll probably earn you more points because it shows that you've done in-depth research into their school and everyone applying to Columbia knows about the Core. ;)</p>
<p>did everyone mention specific programs?!?! i was sooooooooo general on my application. oh great, rejection awaits.</p>
<p>Now I definately agree with everybody that says be yourself -- that is the most important thing. If you write what you really like about the university and sound genuine then I'm sure you will be fine. The core cirriculum does stand out but it is clearly not the only reason why we all want to go there.</p>
<p>However, that said --
My uncle is a Columbia grad and an interviewer for Washington, DC. He told me that he will "dock" an applicant if they don't mention the core cirriculum when he asks them why they like Columbia. I'm not sure if that an admissions office policy or his policy though.</p>
<p>Therefore I would say that if you actually do like the core I might mention it. But if you have other real reasons you don't need to take those out just to make it fit.</p>