<p>Responses may be biased considering where I'm posting but...</p>
<p>Okay, so I'm a native Californian (never been to the east coast) and I'm debating between the more safe choice of Stanford and the scary (but exciting) prospect of Columbia. </p>
<p>In terms of prestige and academics, they are pretty much equal. But New York and Cali couldn't be MORE different. I'm planning on visiting both campuses so I can get a feel for whether or not I would be a good fit. Hopefully I'll love one and hate the other!</p>
<p>I'm completely undecided about majors but I know for certain I want to study English, Art History, Spanish and possibly Journalism. An extensive study abroad program is also VERY important to me.</p>
<p>Possible careers: Something in international politics (diplomacy??), magazine/newspaper editor, art museum curator.</p>
<p>Cost very well may be the deciding factor. Because of complications, I had to RE-SEND my family's financial info today. This means that it's very likely I won't find out about aid until AFTER May 1st. <em>sigh</em></p>
<p>Can anyone give me any info they have regarding how much each school typically gives to families making a little over 100k?</p>
<p>Stanford's financial aid policy is that families making $100k will not have to pay tuition, only for housing, meals, books, and personal expenses. So you should plan on paying about $15k a year.</p>
<p>Also, how do you feel about the core? Columbia's core is huge--bigger than U Chicago's, I think--and doesn't allow for too much flexibility. Stanford has a "core" of sorts, but there is a lot of choice in the different requirements. And then there are distribution requirements, which aren't hard to fulfill. Plus, Columbia's core includes a PE class. Do you really want to go back to PE? =p</p>
<p>Stanford IMHO is perhaps the finest university in the nation. Across a wider range of disciplines (arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, professions) it is top 5. No other private school can make that claim; or even comes close. Chicago, Harvard and Yale may match Stanford in the humanities and social sciences; MIT and CalTech in engineering -- > but none stand as equals to S across all these areas. Berkeley has Stanford's range of strengths, but UC is public (with it's own consequences for your education). This matters because Stanford overall provides a more stimulating and enriching intellectual environment. And you'll get more freedom to create/explore your own interest at Stanford than at Columbia (where the Core will limit your choices during the first two years or so of life there).</p>
<p>So, re the OP question -- Columbia wasn't in the school lists I mentioned above. While both are top schools, Stanford is decisively above Columbia in academic firepower, overall resources and prestige. </p>
<p>Stanford offers the very very best of the Ivies, but in a more relaxed and warmer environment. For big city life, San Fran offers a cleaner and less expensive version of NYC (SF is about as urbane as it gets west of the Mississippi); and it's 45 minutes away. And Tahoe, Napa, Carmel etc are nearby too.</p>
<p>Study Abroad - Stanford offers programs all over the world as does Columbia. Either school will get you great opportunities career wise and study abroad wise. </p>
<p>My view is the race goes to the school which provides better academics and more prestige (costs being equal), and that is Stanford. </p>
<p>If you are really interested in art history and art curating, though, New York would be a much, much better place to be. I am not so sure about the other majors and their relative strengths. Stanford has an okay museum but I have never heard of their art history programs as being anything special. I don't need to tell you what New York has.</p>
<p>I've heard of plenty of people choosing Columbia over Stanford. I wonder what they are saying about this on the Columbia thread? :)</p>
<p>I think for a californian, the hustle and bustle of new york city will be very unattractive to you. There's not a very laid back atmosphere at Columbia and the campus pales in comparision to the beauty of Stanford. Plus, a degree from Stanford is more prestigious not only in this country, but world-wide as well.</p>
<p>You really should visit Columbia if you are seriously considering it. Not everyone can be happy in NYC...</p>
<p>And look into core curriculum. People who choose Columbia like having it (common experience, blah blah blah), but you better make sure that you do too.</p>
<p>Based on your posted possible careers, Columbia University & New York City seems to be the logical choice for you. But, it is tough to pass up Stanford. This is one example of why pre-college programs at major universities such as Stanford, Harvard, Brown, Penn, NYU & Columbia can be valuable experiences.</p>
<p>If you've never been to the east coast, and especially if you have never been to NYC, I highly doubt the Columbia is the right choice for you. I live in New York and went to Columbia for a summer program. It is NOT the undergraduate experience you may be expecting. The City itself is enough to wear someone down, especially people from the West coast. You'll be much better off at Stanford, and its a MUCH better school/education anyway. Not that Columbia isn't awesome, but but think, "O Man I really wanna see what big city life is like!" If you have to think it, you aren't ready for it, I promise.</p>