<p>Princeton Stole too much credit from IAS.</p>
<p>Put your eyes back in your head Monstor. I didn’t say that Princeton was inferior to Columbia. And only a dope would think that there’s been no continuing fine standard of science education at both schools since the era of the Manhattan Project. By the way, Columbia can never demolish the campus building that was involved in “Fat Man/Little Boy” because it has been designated a national landmark.</p>
<p>natasharose, Princeton is a beautiful sleepy little town. I go to Columbia personally, but I have to go through Princeton to get to my boyfriend’s in NJ and Princeton is a beautiful place. And personally, I went to undergrad in a big city. If I could do it over, I would choose an undergraduate college in a small town that was nearby a city. That way, that ensures that things are going on on-campus and that not everyone clears out for the weekend (which is what happened at my school) as people are more likely to live on campus or close to it.</p>
<p>Who cares where Einstein taught? He’s dead now, so he’s not anywhere anymore.</p>
<p>To answer the main question, the academic differences between the schools are negligible. Both are excellent schools and both have a name that is famous throughout the world. You will get an excellent math/science education at either one of them. Princeton is probably a bit more prestigious than Columbia (as far as the “name factor” goes). And you’ll never get a straight answer here. Some people will inevitably favor one above the other.</p>
<p>Honestly, the biggest differences are in institutional culture. Princeton, as was mentioned, is in a smaller town and has more of an undergraduate focus. Columbia is in a very large city and has more focus on graduate students, although you will definitely not be neglected as an undergrad. (This is, incidentally, a great place to be a graduate student). Which one you find better really depends on personal preference. I suggest that you visit the two schools (easily done in one trip – Princeton is an hour and 15 minute train ride from NYC) and decide for yourself.</p>
<p>i had to choose between those two schools as well. don’t worry about the small stuff. they’re both great and they’ll both give you almost everything you want. it’s going to come down to the vibe. the personalities of the two schools are totally different. visit and the answer should be clear which one is best for you. i really like columbia and respect it, but nyc wasn’t where i wanted to be. princeton was just a better fit overall and was more comfortable. i could see myself going to school there and having a great time. at columbia “the vision” wasn’t as clear</p>