<p>After three+ years of posting on CC, devoting my time and efforts towards this month in the history of my life, I find myself in a difficult situation. I was admitted to both Columbia and Harvard, plus some awesome LACs, something I never thought would happen...I was hoping that someone could provide some insight on the atmosphere of each school, and give some advice as to which of the schools I should choose (Harvard/Columbia)....</p>
<ul>
<li>I am from NYC</li>
<li>I want to study poli.sci </li>
<li>I was seriously considering some of the top LACs and so would want a setting more similar to an LAC. Unfortunately, the LAC finaid situation was dissapointing, and would place severe financial stress on my family...as you probably all know, the Ivy finaid situation is amazing. </li>
<li>I don't really see myself enjoying rigorous core requirements....</li>
</ul>
<p>How is the atmosphere at Harvard, compared to Columbia? I know that they are very different... </p>
<p>Columbia is all about the Core. I personally find it to be one of the most appealing aspects about Columbia, but if you do not enjoy the concept, that should be something you keep in mind.</p>
<p>Many of the top LACs I've visited (I definitely haven't visited them all!) are beautiful looking campuses full of trees, grass, and serenity. That being said, both Harv and Columbia are located in cities. As you know, NYC is what it is.</p>
<p>Come to Harvard. It seems like it would be a neat change for you. Also, in terms of the resources you appear to be looking for, Harvard has all of them. Congratulations on a fantastic choice in front of you.</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the advice...and congratulations! </p>
<p>Can anyone discern a difference between the students at Columbia and the students at Harvard? Is there a difference? How does the atmosphere vary between the two schools? I know that in order to answer that, you would have to be familiar with both of the institutions...but perhaps some of you are. =)</p>
<p>I'd also like to hear anyone's suggestions about this situation. I had my heart set on Pomona (small but very prestigious LAC in California) and amazingly I was accepted into Harvard. I was not expecting it at all, and it's thrown a bit of a problem into my plans. I also live in NY (though not the city) and I'm visiting Pomona and California for the first time next weekend. I thought this was my dream school, because Harvard didn't even seem to be in the cards. So now I need to make a decision...</p>
<p>want2b - I know the perfect guy to give you the feedback you need. But Barack is pretty busy these days, and he may be hard to reach. :-)</p>
<p>(Sorry, I know that's no help at all. But if the two schools that produced Obama both want you, I've got to say your prospects are pretty golden either way!)</p>
<p>gadad...yes I tried to call Barack but he was in the shower or something, and has yet to return my call. Perhaps I'll get a text from him in four years, when things have calmed down a bit? Eh, then it would be too late...ah well...</p>
<p>Columbia's social scene is largely about New York City. There are no classes on Fridays precisely so that you can take advantage of all that New York has to offer: museums, galleries, etc. Harvard students have more of a campus life and utilize Cambridge. Though Boston is close by, it's not quite the same situation as having NYC at your fingertips. LACS generally are generally "bubble" campus where your life exists solely on campus.</p>
<p>If you're from NYC, you may want to consider a change. </p>