<p>I got a likely letter from the SEAS, and assuming I don't get into any other schools, it's between Columbia and MIT...Pros/Cons?</p>
<p>I'm interested in architecture and civil engineering (I realize they are different, but I'm interested in both).</p>
<p>I think MIT would be better for engineering.</p>
<p>There are several kids at Columbia doing this (civil + arch), Civil is the most popular major/concentration at SEAS for the Class of 2008. Columbia is not as good of a traditional engineering school as MIT, but life is more balanced here. The students in SEAS are brutally smart (even I underestimated them), a couple of years back when they would publish admissions statistics for seas and the college separately, SEAS’ SAT range was comparable to MIT’s. the only schools which had a better SAT range than seas were Harvard, Caltech, MIT, and I think it compared to Yale’s - Yes, i know this isn’t a fair comparison, but my point is, people simply don’t know how competitive and hard working Columbia SEAS is, the students we attract are as good as any institution’s. On a metrics basis we attract smarter students than Cornell engineering, which says something. </p>
<p>So whatever people will have you believe, the gap in intelligence or intensity isn’t great. MIT has more superstar profs in engineering I imagine. I think this decision should really come down to where you want to be. Columbia and MIT are poles apart. MIT kids are brilliant but nerdy, and it’s environment is pretty extreme. Do visit both, this is an important, literally life-changing decision that you have to make. Even if it costs a fair amount to visit, you do not want to pick the wrong one for you. If you are a brilliant and nerdy engineer and that’s what you want to do, you do not want to miss out on MIT’s prestige and resources. If you are more balanced and have a passion for things outside of engineering, Columbia might be a better fit, and you might be miserable at MIT. I have a few friends at Columbia who chose to come to seas over MIT. They are doing very well here and getting whatever they want.</p>
<p>Personally, I HATED the atmosphere at MIT. Even the tour guides just gave off a bad vibe to me. </p>
<p>Do visit and make sure you talk to some current students while at both schools. You may wind up liking MIT’s atmosphere better but it’s always good to compare.</p>
<p>Well that’s kind of my dilemma. MIT’s CPW and Columbia’s Days on Campus are on the same days…I’m afraid that whichever school I go to will be the one I end up choosing. I have visited both schools previously, but I think the experience was different because it was part of a massive college trip and I didn’t pay that much attention to each school…</p>
<p>I have the same decision too. I’m leaning more towards Columbia though; talking with kids who are going/will go to MIT give me the impression that most people there are very excited about science beyond classes, while I prefer other interests. Plus, I live close to NYC and love Morningside Heights/Harlem. Boston is nice, but I’m not amazed by it.</p>
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<p>you don’t need to visit both schools on days on campus (i suggest choosing columbia for DOC) but visit the other school outside of DOC, you’ll still get a better idea of where you want to be.</p>
<p>Hey guys,</p>
<p>I’m currently a junior at Columbia. SEAS is really awesome because you really get the opportunity to be a well-balanced person due to your studies. Columbia engineers don’t just focus on math and science–they also work on non-technical courses and take courses even in art and music to round out their education. That way, when you graduate from Columbia engineering, you’re a very, very strong candidate for admission at grad school or for when you’re applying for a career. Having that liberal arts addition to your engineering studies makes you stand out against other traditional engineers!</p>
<p>Not to mention going to SEAS means living in New York City! =)</p>
<p>Also, a note about the architecture minor… (I’m an arch minor right now)</p>
<p>The department is straight up awesome. They have a very personal approach to everything–you WILL know your professors and they will reach out to you. (i.e. you go to class and meet with the professor to register instead of using SSOL (online registration)) It’s a much more intimate atmosphere and they’re willing to accommodate your needs. </p>
<p>Next year, the Barnard Vag (student center+classrooms) will be done too so you’ll have brand new studios to work in. Yes, the program is held jointly between CU and BC but it doesn’t really affect anything.</p>