<p>I'm deciding between Princeton and Columbia for a possible Public Policy/Economics major and more broadly their preparation for law school. I'm not really a quantitative guy, so I'd really like to study the public policy/behavioral/governmental side of economics as opposed to the hardcore mathematics (integration/calculus). Both schools are offering me a virtual full ride so money wouldn't exactly be an issue.</p>
<p>I know Princeton has the Wilson school and an amazing history of famous economics like John Nash, but Columbia's proximity to NYC, access to more professional and law opportunities, etc. really seem to even it out. </p>
<p>Could you all give me a little help?</p>
<p>I would say Columbia would be better choice for - unless you don’t like the core curriculum. The grade deflation at Princeton, although known by law schools, might be harmful. Really, though, I’d say you should just pick the place where you would enjoy the weather/atmosphere/etc. better. The campuses are almost opposites.</p>
<p>xkoreasianx,
i was in the exact same position last year, and i would say that Engineerjw is right with respect to the advice to visit both. go to both days on campus and princeton preview; it was the only way for me to make my decision last year. i cannot speak for the differences between princeton’s and columbia’s public policy/economics programs or the advantages that either will offer, but i’m sure that you can’t go wrong either way. i will advise you, however, to not be blinded by nyc’s wealth of opportunities at the expense of what princeton has to offer. my roommate is keenly looking at woody woo and public policy and she is very happy with her courses and opportunities. one of her journalism seminars is taught by evan thomas, an editor-at-large for newsweek, and she says that he can (and will if you so wish and he believes in your abilities) push his students into fabulous internships and jobs. of course this is journalism and not economics, but i’m sure that her case applies across princeton’s disciplines, especially given the small class sizes and other all-star professors teaching such seminars.
in the end, however, it’s probably going to come down to which campus ambiance you prefer. good luck choosing and have fun at both weekends!</p>
<p>ah, okay. I’ll make sure to visit both campuses. I guess I was asking more in terms of curriculum and the “school of thought” at both schools. I’ll try and do some more digging.</p>