Yale or Columbia? Oh dilemma...

<p>I recently got accepted into Columbia U. (College)! I'm incredibly excited. However, I do have to admit, Yale was my #1 choice (closely followed by Columbia). The reason I "chose" columbia is because I have tuition exemption benefits there. If I applied (and got into) Yale, my financial aid would be probably $0-$5000 tops (so conservatively estimate $35k-$40k)...</p>

<p>I'd like to go into business or law- Do you think I made a good choice going to Columbia given the circumstances. I don't THINK there's a big difference at all between Yale and Columbia (i just like the gothic structures better). Yale Econ isnt particularly strong either... but all the same, advice? Anyone had to make this choice? (I guess I can think about a transfer later on if i HATE columbia) =) Thanks guys!</p>

<p>wait, i don't understand the situation. Isn't columbia ED binding?</p>

<p>He's just looking for opinions in hindsight.</p>

<p>I think you made the right choice to ED to Columbia given the tuition exemption. You can still go into business or law from either; but at Columbia you'll be 40k richer.</p>

<p>40k nothing, try 160k. Good choice! I'm sure you will like Columbia, NYC seems to be a fun place!</p>

<p>i'm a junior and i'm debating between yale and columbia, though i think yale is slightly ahead at this point. but if yale still has scea, then i'll apply early there since its non-binding.</p>

<p>Take the money and run!!!</p>

<p>BE HAPPY</p>

<p>DONT LOOK BACK</p>

<p>Best wishes for your Columbia education!</p>

<p>If you weren't sure, why did you apply early <em>decision</em> to Columbia?</p>

<p>For a price difference of that much, I think you made the right choice. All things being equal though (or almost equal) - meaning the aid was equivalent - I think Yale would be better.</p>

<p>New York city is amazing and Columbia is a strong college. I believe that you've made the right decision for your situation and am sure that you will wind up being happy. NYC has something for everyone. It's so rich culturally. I should know; I used to live there. My mother believes that everything happens for a reason. Perhaps there's a reason for you to go to Columbia over Yale that you don't know about now, but will become more apparent to you later. Then again, saving $160k while still being able to go to an amazing school would be reason enough for me.</p>

<p>I have friends at Columbia who are extremely happy. I'm sure you will be too. Get excited! You're in college already! You'll be at an awesome place next year. I'm sure you'll find your niche.</p>

<p>You got in to an awesome college. Don't look back, you will only torture yourself with what if's. Not to mention you are done with apps. Come on, that has to feel good, right?;-P</p>

<p>haha thanks guys! Thanks- I'll enjoy Columbia and look forward to applying to Yale Law in a couple =P. Best of luck to you Eli's!</p>