Questions For Columbia Pre-Meds

Colleges and Universities A-Z Columbia University
1

<p>Hi, I'd just like to preface this post by saying that I've searched some pre-med posts for Columbia online. Most of what I've gathered, however, have been tidbits extracted from threads such as "Pre-Med at Yale vs. Columbia vs. MIT" and the like. So what I'd really like to know is the perspectives of current students and alumni who have been through/have experience with the pre-med program at Columbia. For them I have a few questions:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>How cutthroat is the pre-med atmosphere at Columbia?</p></li>
<li><p>How much time does the average pre-med have to pursue outside activities (i.e.: volunteering, part-time jobs, internships) during the school year?</p></li>
<li><p>Opinions on Columbia's Pre-Med advising? Specifically, does Columbia screen students it feels aren't strong enough applicants?</p></li>
<li><p>In terms of research: Is it common for undergrads to work hands-on with their profs, or are they mostly relegated to menial tasks like washing beakers and petri dishes? Do any undergrads get published in scientific journals for their research?</p></li>
</ul>

2

<p>Is anyone able to answer even just one of these questions above? It would be much appreciated.</p>

3

<p>I was friends with a lot of pre-meds. Pre-med at Columbia is stressful and time-consuming, but I doubt it is any more so than at any other top school. A lot of people are pre-med freshman year, and that number drops dramatically by junior year, so there’s some sorting mechanism in play. Your last question is the easiest to answer; Columbia and Barnard students have tons of opportunities to do substantial, publishable research, either on the Morningside campus or up at Columbia Presbyterian.</p>