I was wondering if anyone had any knowledge on whether which program is “easier” to get into, Wharton (undergrad) or Columbia (intended major: economics)? I intend to apply early decision to one of the two programs.
Thanks in advance!
Neither is easy. Super hard. Hard to compare.
@asfuture27 FYI: Penn economics majors are not in Wharton, they are in CAS.
yes I understand that both are incredibly difficult and even the most qualified students have <10% chance. i was just curious if there were any differences at all (in terms of admission difficulty)
@Much2learn yes, I was aware of this. thanks though!
@asfuture27 I really think that in terms of admissions they are very similar.
However, the curriculum is fairly different and the campus experience is fairly different. Some students really like Columbia’s core curriculum. Others want more flexibility to take more classes that interest them specifically, or to add a minor or even a second major, and that is easier at Penn.
Columbia has a much smaller campus and students tend to spend more time in NYC. The Penn experience is more campus centric, with students staying on/near campus more.
Without see your profile, it’s hard to say. But the common sense is that if your MATH scores are not super high and if your EC and interests not showing business oriented, I don’t think you have chance in Wharton.
@asfuture27 Penn and Columbia are not significantly different in terms of selectivity. You should apply ED to your first choice. If you are interested in business you should apply to Penn (Wharton) ED. The economics program at Columbia is not a business program, it is more similar to the Economics degree offered at Penn CAS, only you will not have access to business school classes as a columbia Econ major while at Penn Econ majors do. The two schools are also very different in terms of academic philosophy, campus vibe, social life etc so that should be the other point of consideration.