Hi everyone! I have done a sickening amount of research regarding pre-med undergrad programs these past few months. I am torn between Dartmouth and Columbia for early decision.
Questions for both colleges: How is the quality of life? Are there ample research opportunities available? How is the advising and support? How’s the atmosphere?
Is Columbia as miserable and challenging as it’s painted out to be?
I’ve visited both colleges and enjoyed each one. I would really like to double major- perhaps in neuroscience/ psychology and a humanity (history or English).
Thank you for your time and I appreciate any insight!
Is this a serious question, or more random shopping? b/c in the last month you have been planning to apply ED to a bunch of other colleges as well- and now you are asking about the quality of life at 2 of the most divergent of the Ivy league colleges. The tidbits that you have dropped on other threads suggest that either will be a somewhat more than usual reach for you.
I don’t know who is painting Columbia as miserable, but the couple of current students that I know there (& the recent grads) all had/are having a grand time- but they did work very hard. The student body does have a lot of intense, achievement-oriented students. Is that you? dk
We also can’t say what “quality of life” is for you. Deciding between Hanover and Columbia is like asking are you a town mouse or a city mouse?
They are both top tier schools, so you will have plenty of research opportunities, the advising will be on average wi be very good (though you could get a dud at either place- it happens everywhere).
@collegemom3717 I appreciate your insight. Yes, this is a serious question. I have narrowed my choices down to these schools, and have achieved scores in the 75th percentile for both schools. I am extremely hard working and I do not mind to go the extra mile- however, considering I want to go to med school I am trying to enjoy my time as an undergraduate. Your remarks came off as rather aggressive- there simply wasn’t a need for the virulent attitude. You’re a “college mom” yourself, is this the way you’d talk to your own child? I know a current pre-meds and he’s the one that painted my current understanding of Columbia. Thanks for the insight once again!
I would suggest you visit both schools. Academic resources are basically the same, but the environment is completely different. Hanover is in the middle of nowhere, but perfect for outdoorsy/nature people. Columbia, on the other hand, comes with NY. Some people love the city; others hate it. Also, Dartmouth’s campus is beautiful whereas Columbia’s is depressing…
Columbiia’s campus is a jewel - architecturally - and while very urban, is surrounded by acres and acres of parks. It is not like midtown NYC at all. Semesters are shorter and more more intense at Dartmouth, but you take fewer classes. Columbia has the conventional semester system. Columbia’s pre-med program is very competitive and the culture of Columbia is equally intense and not for everyone. But, as collegemom3717 said above, it is hard to imagine two more different environments than Hanover and the upper westside of Manhattan. Someone who loves the outdoors can be happy at Columbia. But someone who loves city life will be very unhappy at Dartmouth. If you want a supportive, more collaborative, and smaller LAC-feel like Dartmouth’s, then apply to Barnard and take classes at Columbia. As a Columbia grad, that’s what I advised my pre-med daughter to do. Alternatively, look into PLME at Brown. That would be an excellent compromise! Best of Luck!
@tdy123 I thanked her for her insight, however the additional remarks were not necessary. Those scores are no longer being sent to any of my schools. I have received a 35 composite on my latest ACT, but that does not have to do with my original question. I simply asked for a comparison between the two programs- not an opinion on my admission chances, otherwise I would’ve placed this in the “What are my chances” discussion.
@FieldCrest3 So, on September 19,2017 you stated that your only ACT score was a 32. You also said that this was a test you took in September. On October 12, 2017 you are saying that your score is now a 35. There hasn’t been a test since the September 9th test. The next one is October 28th with a score release date of Nov 14th. How did you do that?