<p>Can we just clear this up once and for all: So the scholar programs are a way of convincing the RD admits to come to Columbia? But then, wouldn't it make sense to make every RD admit a scholar? Is it really true that only a small percentage of admits are named as scholars? </p>
<p>Btw, I'm coming to Columbia anyway, so this Scholar program was not the deciding factor. It's just that I'm curious...</p>
<p>EDIT: candlefungus, this is just a tip, but maybe you should just call Columbia to get a different perspective. I think you should get as much information as possible before making your move.</p>
<p>So what do you reckon? That they send it to, say, the top 20% of all admitted students? I guess they're gonna send them to the ones they really want and who are likely to get admitted at peer institutions, as well? Just for the record though, even if this program does not give you any advantages when you're at CC, it'll definitely give you some financial benefits. My finaid package was a lot more generous than I had asked for and all the loans are replaced by grants.</p>
<p>Hm... why would they give this scholar title to an ED kid who is bound to go to Columbia anyway? Looks like it's not a pure farce after all. Maybe the stuff they send us is actually true, :D</p>
<p>(Rabi and Barnard's version of Rabi are much older/a bit more selective. but they're only for science. If you're a humanities major, you wouldn't be considered for them)</p>
<p>The following is from the Spectator:</p>
<p>Only 11.6 percent of all applicants were admitted to the class of 2010, and many had to pick between Columbia and other top colleges. By giving some students the "scholar" distinction upon admission, Columbia hopes that they will help those on the fence pick a side.</p>
<p>The four largest scholar types-John Jay, C.P. Davis, Global, and Kluge-are also the newest, having been in place only since 2000. Selected by admissions, these students represent the best of Columbia College, engineering, international, and minority students, respectively, forming the Columbia Undergraduate Scholars Program.</p>
<p>"Help those on the fence", so I guess the main purpose was to just lure students who have also gotten into peer institutions. But since you got the scholar distinction, too, they might have changed the policies. Or at least they are pretty flexible and give it to oustanding EDers too?</p>
<p>here's what i posted on the other thread, just to cover all bases:</p>
<p>CP Davis scholars are engineering students. CC kids can be John Jay scholars, Kluge scholars (URM), or Global scholars (international students). The benefits are somewhat vague, but include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Preferential treatment in financial aid, within the bounds of what they're legally allowed to do. I got a bunch of loans converted to grants.</li>
<li>Access to lots of cool events and speakers that come, some in very personal settings. You can even request a speaker and they'll see if they can get them.</li>
<li>Invitations and free tickets to shows, plays, and other performances</li>
<li>Enhanced assistance and sponsorship with fellowships (Rhodes, Fullbright, Truman, etc)</li>
</ul>
<p>so it's not like they shower you with money and give you kickass housing and a personal masseuse, but it's better than a hit in the head. It's admissions' way of telling you they think you're <em>really</em> special, and are willing to at least put a little money and structure behind that promise.</p>
<p>None of these things are <em>really</em> making you special, because they're pretty much available to everyone. It's all about making you <em>feel</em> special.</p>
<p>
[quote]
- Preferential treatment in financial aid, within the bounds of what they're legally allowed to do. I got a bunch of loans converted to grants.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Columbia will match / top other top schools' financial aid packages even if you aren't a scholar.</p>
<p>
[quote]
- Access to lots of cool events and speakers that come, some in very personal settings. You can even request a speaker and they'll see if they can get them.
- Invitations and free tickets to shows, plays, and other performances
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Hard to put much worth on this. There are tons of cool speakers/events available to the entire campus, etc.</p>
<p>
[quote]
- Enhanced assistance and sponsorship with fellowships (Rhodes, Fullbright, Truman, etc)
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Columbia will help any one of their top students prepare for the fellowships. They're not going to be less willing to assist someone because they didn't come in as a scholar.</p>
<p>They're still situations where you're getting something for nothing. Free theater tickets 2-3 times per semester, offered only to scholars, is a plus. And Columbia may match other schools' financial aid packages for incoming freshmen, but I got 12k of loans converted to grants for my sophomore year - you know, long after i'd committed myself to them - solely because of my scholar status. That was totally discretionary on their part, and it sure wasn't because I flirted with the finaid officer. That was value - the value of not having to repay $12,000 plus interest. Which wouldn't have happened if I wasn't a scholar.</p>
<p>For all the ppl that asked about what percentage of CU students actually are scholars: It's about 5.4%. I got an email from the CUSP Alliance President, and she said there are about 100 scholars in each class.</p>