<p>for the "why columbia" part, is it ok if you don't mention anything about nyc or the core? it seemed like these things are discussed by everyone and i thought i'd go a different route.</p>
<p>Absolutely. The main thing to avoid is talking about is wanting to go to Columbia because it's an Ivy League school in New York City. They mainly want to see that you know something about their university and that you're not just applying because you're applying to all the Ivies. That's why so many students talk about the core.</p>
<p>It is a fact that many people have gotten in with writing about NYC and the core.. (so basically generic stuff)</p>
<p>But I was also advised to write something more unique and not so generic...
I wrote about something completely different! :)
The question asks what attracts you about the school.. I wrote one of the many things that attracted me to Columbia.. in depth.. I thought it was better to focus on one thing and elaborate on it, rather than touching on many little things.</p>
<p>It's true that most ppl are applying for Columbia because of the core or the nyc. But if you are going to find something else and go in depth while not being fake, it'll be much better.</p>