<p>Did anybody else get a second letter saying they are a Rabi Scholar? I didn't even notice it for a while because you have to scroll down beyond the acceptance letter. How selective is this program and does it really make a difference once you get to Columbia?</p>
<p>Rabi scholar is actually really good if you like science reseach. 4/5 last Columbia College Vals in the past 5 years were Rabi Scholars!</p>
<p>The other scholar programs are all farces. Rabi, however is a huge deal.</p>
<p>Really? Why are the other ones farces?</p>
<p>so the biggest perk of it is just the whole prestige thing?</p>
<p>Rabi's get guaranteed summer support for research. They also get a built-in peer group of kids who are serious about science. The group has a "clubhouse," montly (or thereabouts) dinners, and some extra contact with the faculty; they can also get rooms on the same floor when they stay for the summer. This peer-group effect has had a big positive impact on our son.</p>
<p>s snack is right. the other scholars programs are - well, i outlined it in the other thread asking about John Jay scholars, but they're basically activities and peripheral benefits (although the financial aid stuff can be big).</p>
<p>Rabi scholars, however, are the real deal. They're really the merit scholarships that an ivy league school is not supposed to have. You get tons of perks and your own private lounge in the physics building (Pupin). They're basically farming you as a future physicist or scientist of note, and give you opportunities accordingly.</p>
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so the biggest perk of it is just the whole prestige thing?
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<p>No, the main perk is the opportunity it affords future scientists. If you're an aspiring scientist, these things will help make yourself prestigious. For example, you do research in a lab, get your name on a paper or two, make great connections with the professors you do research for. These sorts of things will make the difference in getting into a top PhD program. Nobody will care that you're a Rabi scholar just because you're one.</p>
<p>Interesting note: 5 out of the last 6 CC valedictorians have been Rabi Scholars.</p>
<p>^Including this year's.</p>