<p>Hi! If you have any questions that you'd like to pose to a recent alum, I'm available to answer them. Feel free to ask anything (academics, housing, NYC, etc.), whether you're set on Columbia or still trying to decide. I'm honest and candid, so you won't get any BS/spin/propaganda from me.</p>
<p>hey i was wondering for a freshman, what is the best dorm for a single? for a double?</p>
<p>i've heard of john jay and carman.. what are your thoughts?</p>
<p>For either a single or a double, Furnald is arguably the best choice. It is newly renovated and has large rooms. It used to be a coveted upperclass dorm, until Columbia turned it over to the freshman. It is very popular and the first choice of many, so you really don't have that good a chance at getting it.</p>
<p>Other than Furnald, your single options are: John Jay vs. Hartley/Wallach. The choice here is basically suite style vs. hall style living. JJ seems like a hotel, and has a bunch of singles lined up in a row; people sometimes hang out in the hallways. In H/W, you'll have 9, 11, or 15 (or something like this) people in a suite, which each suite having a pretty large lounge and a decent kitchen area. They're both old buildings. The singles in JJ in both buildings are quite tiny (but certainly decent enough), but there are some very large singles in each building if you're lucky.</p>
<p>As for doubles, your choice is basically Carman vs. one of the few doubles in JJ or H/W. If you want a double (and don't get Furnald), definitely go for Carman. Clearly the most social, the largest/nicest rooms, and the best living environment (e.g., only 4 people sharing a bathroom). Unless you're dying to be in JJ or H/W for some wierd reason, there really isn't much advantage over Carman doubles.</p>
<p>I'm still trying to decide whether to attend Columbia... It's a rather tough decision for me, as I'm a Pole living in Poland, and have no hands-on experience of the schools I'm choosing from.</p>
<p>I'm torn between Columbia and Amherst. Actually, I'm on the verge of accepting the latter's offer, because:</p>
<ol>
<li>I heard that Columbia is a school in which you're on your own, "sink or swim," and I'm not sure if I manage in such a competitive atmosphere, especially when you consider that I'm international.</li>
<li>I'm concerned with the alumni giving rate: Amherst has one of the highest ones in the US (~70%), while Columbia has one of the lowest ones in the Ivy League. This seems to suggest that Amherst alumni simply LOVE their school, while Columbians... we-ell...</li>
<li>I dread TAs and huge classes, both of which are nonexistent in Amherst</li>
<li>NYC seems more dangerous than Amherst, MA</li>
<li>I'm not really very sure about what I want to do in life (I like all academic disciplines!). Columbia, because of the CC, won't allow me to explore as many possibilities outside my major as Amherst.</li>
<li>While Columbia has many more famous faculty, I'm afraid that they may prove inaccessible (like the notorious professor Stiglitz, who only teaches at graduate level).</li>
<li>Columbians generally represent the Left, while Amherst has a strong right-wing minority (I'm something Hayek would call an Old Whig)</li>
</ol>
<p>On the other hand, the advantages of Columbia seem to be:
A. NYC -- internship opportunities & cultural facilities
B. Architecture -- call me a screwed European, but the fact that Columbia is breathtaking while Amherst is dull plays a major part.
C. Research opportunities (especially in Chemistry) -- definitely better at Columbia
D. I really like the Core -- it's something that I missed SO much in high school!</p>
<p>Could you clarify which of the above points are facts and which are myths, and perhaps give me some advice? If this plays a role, I'm considering majoring in Chemistry or Pol Sci, but like I said, I'm not very certain (I never did research in chemistry, though the little I did in biology was entertaining; and Pol Sci was always more of a hobby)</p>
<p>Could you tell me something about Columbia's debating program? I heard that Amherst's is quite strong.</p>
<p>Let me address each point...</p>
<ol>
<li>I heard that Columbia is a school in which you're on your own, "sink or swim," and I'm not sure if I manage in such a competitive atmosphere, especially when you consider that I'm international.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>I can see where you'd get this from, but I think you're making too much of this. Yes, Columbia is a school where you're on your own to an extent. However, it is definitely not a competive atmosphere and is not sink or swim. You're on your own in the sense that the administration won't "hold your hand" -- profs won't call you if you're absent to see if you're OK, the advisors won't force you to meet with them to discuss your classes/life, etc.</li>
</ul>
<p>I see sink or swim as the type of school where you need to wait 3 weeks to see an advisor who doesn't even know your name (i.e., the Univ. of Calif. system). That is not Columbia. The resources are there when you need them, and Columbia believes in treating you as an adult rather than coddling you. I don't know what it is like at Amherst, but Columbia won't be "warm and fuzzy." Columbia is still small enough that it isn't cold and competitive.</p>
<ol>
<li>I'm concerned with the alumni giving rate: Amherst has one of the highest ones in the US (~70%), while Columbia has one of the lowest ones in the Ivy League. This seems to suggest that Amherst alumni simply LOVE their school, while Columbians... we-ell...</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>This is Columbia's worst problem, in my opinion. It isn't that people hate their Columbia experience -- they really have no sentimental attachment to the school. I had a great education, met some great friends, enjoyed NYC, etc., but I don't have great emotional ties to the school. The "Columbia community" could be stronger, and I think the bad sports teams (no rah-rah school spirit) is a huge cause of that.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>I dread TAs and huge classes, both of which are nonexistent in Amherst</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Fair point. In your introductory science courses, you'll definitely have large classes and TAs.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>NYC seems more dangerous than Amherst, MA</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>You can look up the crime stats to compare the two cities; I'm not sure. But, safety really isn't a problem at Columbia. NYC was dangerous many years ago (I believe Columbia is the safest of the Ivies), so this myth is still out there.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>I'm not really very sure about what I want to do in life (I like all academic disciplines!). Columbia, because of the CC, won't allow me to explore as many possibilities outside my major as Amherst.</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>The CC doesn't inhibit you from exploring different things. First, you have two years to choose a major. Your Fresh/Soph courses will give you plenty of exploration; it isn't like you only take Core courses. Second, most of the majors (even the hard science ones) don't require a great number of courses. So, you'll still have plenty of elective opportunities in your Jr/Sr years.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>While Columbia has many more famous faculty, I'm afraid that they may prove inaccessible (like the notorious professor Stiglitz, who only teaches at graduate level).</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Some may be inaccessible, but others love teaching and talking to undergrads. I did research in the lab of a well-known prof, who was totally approachable and worked with me every day and treated me no differently than he would treat a post-doc.</li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Columbians generally represent the Left, while Amherst has a strong right-wing minority (I'm something Hayek would call an Old Whig)</li>
</ol>
<ul>
<li>Columbia is clearly Left. That isn't going to change anytime soon. But, it doesn't really matter in the sciences. In the humanities, there are certain profs that are intolerant of opposing views, but you'll be fine if you avoid these certain profs. I'm a Hayek fan too, by the way!</li>
</ul>
<p>Could you tell me something about Columbia's debating program? I heard that Amherst's is quite strong.</p>
<ul>
<li>I know nothing about debating. Sorry.</li>
</ul>
<p>Let me know if you have any follow-up questions. You're doing the right thing by getting as much information as you can, but try not to be too calculating in your decision. You pretty much need to go with your instinct/feelings, because a cost-benefit analysis will only take you so far.</p>
<p>whose dad wanted him to apply to columbia...</p>
<ol>
<li>I heard that Columbia is a school in which you're on your own, "sink or swim," and I'm not sure if I manage in such a competitive atmosphere, especially when you consider that I'm international.</li>
<li><p>I think Amherst wins here, in that it has a more nurturing environment. Honsetly, I am bemused as to why people would scoff at something like this... does one really want to be considered an anonymous statistic (this little invective probably has little to do with columbia and more so to do with some stupid comment that byerly made in another post)</p></li>
<li><p>I'm concerned with the alumni giving rate: Amherst has one of the highest ones in the US (~70%), while Columbia has one of the lowest ones in the Ivy League. This seems to suggest that Amherst alumni simply LOVE their school, while Columbians... we-ell...
I wouldn't factor this sort of statistic into the equation at all, personally.</p></li>
<li><p>I dread TAs and huge classes, both of which are nonexistent in Amherst
This is a fact, so there's not much to say.</p></li>
<li><p>NYC seems more dangerous than Amherst, MA
Ditto (but again, I doubt you're going to get murdered or something along those lines your first day in NYC)</p></li>
<li><p>I'm not really very sure about what I want to do in life (I like all academic disciplines!). Columbia, because of the CC, won't allow me to explore as many possibilities outside my major as Amherst.
True.</p></li>
<li><p>While Columbia has many more famous faculty, I'm afraid that they may prove inaccessible (like the notorious professor Stiglitz, who only teaches at graduate level).
True. Amherst focuses on professors who are at the same time teachers. besides, what is the point of genuis if it isn't properly conveyed (for the student at least)</p></li>
<li><p>Columbians generally represent the Left, while Amherst has a strong right-wing minority (I'm something Hayek would call an Old Whig)
I have a feeling that almost any college that you are thinking of is going to be very decidedly liberal, so its a moot point.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>On the other hand, the advantages of Columbia seem to be:
A. NYC -- internship opportunities & cultural facilities
NYC clearly trounces amherst.</p>
<p>B. Architecture -- call me a screwed European, but the fact that Columbia is breathtaking while Amherst is dull plays a major part.
I wouldn't say Amherst is dull... not stunning, but not dull. Also, remember that Amherst has 1000 acres with sprawling athletic fields, greans (sp?), quads, etc. I remembered Columbia as being kind of crammed together. Really, the urban/suburban dichotomoy is at its paradigm when comparing these two schools.</p>
<p>C. Research opportunities (especially in Chemistry) -- definitely better at Columbia
I agree fully.</p>
<p>D. I really like the Core -- it's something that I missed SO much in high school!
I also liked Columbia's core... but in my thinking, I can simply construct whatever core I please at Amherst.</p>
<p>hope these comments helped. Academically, they are both at the pinnacle, so I think it will come down to a pro/con analysis of the LAC's and Universities. Good luck.</p>
<p>Thank you both! If (when?) I come up with any more questions, I know where to come!</p>
<p>[edit: What did you major in, Columbia2002? Have you already chosen your major, darkstarrising?]</p>
<p>uhh, i'm thinking english with an eclectic scattering of european studies, law/jurisprudence/social thought, philosophy, and psychology.</p>
<p>"5. I'm not really very sure about what I want to do in life (I like all academic disciplines!). Columbia, because of the CC, won't allow me to explore as many possibilities outside my major as Amherst.
True."</p>
<p>I'm surprised that people would view the Core in this way. It's such a decidely multi-disciplinary approach that it really ought to be a positive factor if you're uncertain about your career plans. Columbia deemphasizes your major course of study (you can even minor without majoring at all), leaving you with a broad multifaceted education. Rather than viewing the Core as an inhibition to exploring different majors, I would view it as a required exploration of different fields. </p>
<p>I don't think Amherst has any individual courses that really compare to the Core Humanities classes. To explore there, you'd be more on your own, taking distinct subjects in different fields instead of a few all-encompassing Core disciplines.</p>
<p>my point wasn't that every facet of a the columbia core curiculum could be replicated; it was that if one wants a broad, universal liberal arts education (which is just what the core is) one can get it at brown, one can get it at columbia. it would simply be a matter of personal innitiative at brown/amherst.</p>
<p>To those who have contended that Stiglitz will only be teaching graduate level courses, I believe this warrants some further research: Dr. Stiglitz is listed together with B. O'Flaherty as a co-instructor for the Fall 2005 basic economics course: Principles of Economics (according to Columbia's Directory of Classes).</p>
<p>What if I filled out the housing/dining app, but then I changed my mind, and filled it out again? Which one will count??</p>
<p>Okay, please don't bite my head off for this. I was waitlisted at both Columbia and Cornell. I know that being waitlisted at Columbia means virtually nothing - I learned on the Dartmouth board that they actually waitlist more people than they accept, and often yield rates are so high that they need not even use it. But due to a recent development that I can't really talk about here, my application status will change and...let's just say, I will be put in a position that will make them more willing to accept me. (Nothing illegal or anything, don't worry!)</p>
<p>So in the event that this comes to pass, why should I choose Columbia over Cornell? Yes, I am fully aware that they are like polar opposites in some respects. But as you are Columbia alums and current students, what makes you think that Columbia is THE place that people should opt to spend their four years, above all others?</p>
<p>1) Grade deflation. Cornell is notorious for it (you know the saying... "easiest to get into, hardest to get out of"?) while Columbia has a considerably less amount of grade deflation. This may not seem like a big deal to you, but if you're looking at grad school (and many entrance jobs) THIS WILL MATTER.</p>
<p>2a) The city. This is a topic of lots of controversy, but I'd argue it's a good thing in terms of campus entertainment. Every famous speaker, politician, musician, celebrity, band, etc. has to make it in NY before anywhere else? Guess who gets first dibs?</p>
<p>b) The city. This is the more subjective part. Good parts include great nightlife, cultural activity, proximity to anything you want. Some people argue that it's expensive and there's less campus community or whatever- that is subjective. With Cornell as an alternative though, (spread out around Ithaca, with a million different schools) I hardly think that might be one of your priorities.</p>
<p>3) Weather. Ever spent a winter in Ithaca?</p>
<p>4) More diversity- if that's a concern of yours. Admittedly, Cornell is no slouch in this department, but this is a surefire guarantee.</p>
<p>5) Core curriculum. Good? Bad? You decide. It is a great intro into many of Columbia's finest departments though- something of a "college sampler" that prevents kids from making the wrong decision too early, anyway.</p>
<p>6) More prestige (unless you're into engineering or hotel management... ok fine maybe some of the other hard sciences too). Minor, but relavent.</p>
<p>7) A more intellectual atmosphere. Sure, you can talk about stereotypes, but from my experience with both Columbia and Cornell kids, it's easier to find other philosophers/poets etc than in Cornell. I mean, please, the school can boast Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac as alumni! If that's not your thing, fine, Columbia has its fair share of other types too. Cornell, to me, seems to consist of wealthy Long Island Jewish kids (albeit smart ones) who just want to have a good time. Either that or engineering nerds.</p>
<p>8) Did I mention the weather in Ithaca?</p>
<p>Anyway, Cornell DOES have a number of plusses going for it, but this is the COlumbia forum, after all. Good luck with both.</p>
<p>haha Ras, what are you doing on this forum, you crazy girl lol</p>
<p>thank you so much, RaspberrySmoothie! This has given me TONS of food for thought.</p>
<p>I've got a question:</p>
<p>I will have about 20 points of credit from AP exams before i begin at SEAS (according to their website's AP page). Do you know of anyone that graduated in 3.5 years or even 3 years? It seems as though I'd only have to average 18 points a semester which doesn't seem that bad at all. Thanks.</p>
<p>well, you gotta be careful in reading the SEAS bulletin. while you can obtain 20 AP credits, it doesn't necessarily mean that you only need 107 credits to graduate (while the school awards you with the AP credits, you don't receive exemption from most classes)</p>
<p>moreover, 18 credits per semester is not as easy as it sounds (esp if you want to maintain a high gpa). my advice is to take as many credits as you can in your first year. as you get to your 3rd year, all classes are tough and are worth only 3 points so taking 6 classes is a really challenging task.</p>
<p>Thanks for the help bill2007. I already figured out which classes I would be exempt for and the other APs could fall into my electives.</p>
<p>As you were saying, I am also concerned about the number of courses in the latter years. Thanks again.</p>
<p>Columbia 2002,</p>
<p>Do you have any advice for a future junior when it comes to choosing classes, applying for scholarships,whatever, in order to be on the right track for Columbia? I think it'd be an understatement to call CU my dream school. I want to know what can put me on the right track or help me stand out in order to get accepted.</p>