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I am a student interested in going to college in New York. There are aspects about Columbia, as well as NYU that appeal to me. In theory, I like Columbia's core curriculum. However, I am very apprehensive about the workload. You see, although I have good grades, I have never been seriously challenged. Do you think that will lead to my undoing at Columbia, or will I simply adjust?
Also, I am really interested in studying at the Gallatin school of NYU.
As of now I am leaning toward Columbia because it seems to be more close knit, and it actually has a campus.

I would appreciate any input that can be offered about these respective schools

P.S. Next year I am taking some of the hardest classes at my school.
Followed by five A.P.'s senior year.

By Eri (Eri) on Monday, June 23, 2003 - 11:09 pm: Edit

Whether the schools do you in or whether you adjust is ENTIRELY up to your attitude in life. If something difficult comes up, do you jump up and tackle it head on, or quiver and try to ignore it or whine about it? It's time to be brutally honest about yourself, because you don't want to have to attend a school that you won't be happy at. Challenged, but happy.

I think that as long as you keep a positive attitude (which can really be tough at times), things will come easily.

The good thing is, you have a couple of years to plan and get ready for college. If you happen to be a procrastinator or negative person, or just a big fish in a small pond, only you have the power to turn that all around. Challenge yourself in these last two years of HS!! Take your APs, that's a good start; do whatever you can to prove to yourself that you can handle always being busy with something (because that's what college is alllll about).

I visited NYC recently, and personally, living there isn't for me (I am not a small town girl or anything, but the attitude of the people was the opposite of what I expected). If I had it my way, I'd live in Europe or New Zealand for the rest of my life, but until then...

NYU is a place that struck me as very posh, and not in a good way.

Columbia seemed more open-minded to me.

Both are great schools academically, for almost anything. It is hard to say which is "better" flat out.

Hope that helps,
Erika

By Themabrklyn (Themabrklyn) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 10:40 pm: Edit

If you are interested in Gallatin, I would jump at the opportunity. Definitely look into that. It is extremely competitive, though. It is a unique program to say the least--with the opportunity to use resources that people around the world would die for. No independent study program at Columbia matches up. Hope that helped!

By Nyhopeful (Nyhopeful) on Tuesday, June 24, 2003 - 10:47 pm: Edit

Thank you so much for your response. I really do think that it is time that I start challenging myself.
I just came from visiting my grandma, and she taught me two fundamental things. The first being that the only way to attain my goals is to work hard and sacrafice. (Her life is an example).
The second being that too many people have laid their own lives on the line for me to have such opportunities. (I'm African-American)
It really made me think. Now I see that I was being selfish and quite unappreciative (sic). I am really going to push myself junior year.

Any additional comments about Columbia and NYU are welcome

By Nyhopeful (Nyhopeful) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 02:02 pm: Edit

Please reply someone
PLEEEEEEEEEEEEEZE!!!!!!!!!!!!
All opinions welcome!

By Aparent (Aparent) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 02:58 pm: Edit

I think many bright kids arrive at college without having been seriously challenged in their coursework, although they may have sought and found challenge in extracurriculars and research. You won't be alone. First semester grades are often not stellar, but by learning to organize your time and to seek help (which is in plentiful supply from other students, tutoring centers, etc.) when you need it, you will feel a greater sense of accomplishment than ever before.

Aside from the NYC location, what attracts you to Columbia and NYU? What are you looking for in a college? What interests do you want to pursue?

By Nyhopeful (Nyhopeful) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 04:24 pm: Edit

Besides the location, I really do crave the intellectual atmosphere. The idea of learning for learning's sake.
I want to study political science, and from what i have heard, Columbia has a great program.

However, the Gallatin program would allow me to make my own major. I would love to have a concentration of political science and communications. Also the Gallatin program has great internship opportunities.

It is hard to articulate exactly why i want to study at either of these institutions. I simply know that i do.

By Aparent (Aparent) on Thursday, June 26, 2003 - 06:17 pm: Edit

Both schools have superb faculties. Sounds as though Gallatin gives you some real flexibility. I don't know about the Gallatin program specifically, but I think it's probably fair to say that if you crave intellectual atmosphere, Columbia would be a great place for you. It has an active political union: http://www.columbia.edu/cu/cpu/ Also, Columbia students have many great internship opportunities, and since most of them don't take classes on Fridays, they have a full day each week to devote to internships should they so choose. Clearly, however, Columbia is way uptown, while NYU is much closer to a lot of the government buildings. Columbia does have its own small but distinct campus, which many students appreciate. I think you need to visit. And keep in mind that although these are two great schools, many students' plans and preferences change between sophomore and senior years, so keep an open mind and investigate some other schools as well. Good luck!

By Jacobyale06 (Jacobyale06) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 12:56 pm: Edit

If you want poli sci, Columbia's program is superb. I'm a poli sci major, and the NYC location wasn't a big factor for me personally, so I chose Yale over Columbia and NYU, but if I loved New York as much as you seem to, I think it would be Columbia, hands down.

In terms of workload...I find that at most schools, even top ones, much of the workload is set by the individual student. Within reasonable bounds, you can have as much or as little work as you like. I have heard of Columbia's core being heavy, but it's probably not a killer. It might be too heavy for some students, but few students who are already good enough to get into Columbia should have problems with the workload there.

If money is an issue, it might fall on the NYU side, though: NYU usually offers huge scholarships to those studenst who are qualified to get into schools like Columbia. Columbia does have need-based financial aid and commits to meeting 100% of demonstrated need, but it is likely that Columbia's way of meeting that need will involve some loans or workstudy and parent contributions, whereas NYU's offer could be total free money, no strings attached.

In my own case, NYU offered me scholarships that amounted to almost a full free ride. What did Columbia offer me? Nothing: they lost the paperwork. That's the 1 strike I can think of against Columbia. Speaking from my experience and the experiences of my friends who actually go there, Columbia's Fin Aid Office is bureacratic and annoying.

By Aparent (Aparent) on Saturday, June 28, 2003 - 03:51 pm: Edit

Jacobyale, I agree re Columbia and Yale, not only academically but also because of their active political unions. Am wondering, did you consider Harvard? How would you compare Harvard and Yale for poli sci, including courses and EC opportunities?

By Jollyapplepie (Jollyapplepie) on Monday, June 30, 2003 - 03:10 pm: Edit

Basically the same thing ... except that Columbia is, of course, ivy league.

By Phishdave (Phishdave) on Tuesday, July 01, 2003 - 12:14 am: Edit

Well Nyhopeful, I think I'm in a unique position to help you out. I will be going to Columbia in the fall and have several family members (sister, cousins) and friends in NYU and specifically Gallatin. Just to give you an idea, Gallatin is pretty much easier to get into than Columbia. A good friend of mine was rejected ED from Columbia and accepted into Gallatin with a large scholarship. I chose Columbia over NYU because of the campus, core, smaller size, and other factors. I just recommend you look into everything that the schools offer. Gallatin's freedom really is great. My cousin is majoring in "Film, Comedy, and Politics" at Gallatin; he made up this major. They have trememdous course offerings. Columbia is more tight-knit, with a more delineated but well-rounded education. You have a couple years, but just keep up the good work. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Email: DWeis007@aol.com

By Richen (Richen) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 04:24 am: Edit

NYhopeful,

I would suggest one easy way to decide! If you want to party in collge only, then go to NYU. If you are serious about learning in college, then choose Columbia. They are a world apart in academics, and it should be an easy choice between the two depending on your desires.

By Themabrklyn (Themabrklyn) on Monday, July 07, 2003 - 10:51 pm: Edit

Ha ha. Good one. Too bad that NYU is one of the top schools in the nation.

By Nyhopeful (Nyhopeful) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 07:13 pm: Edit

Thank you all for your input.

Richen, in response to your remark about NYU being a party school, even though Columbia is more challenging academically than NYU, that in no way makes NYU a party school.

As of now i feel that NYU Gallatin would be better as an undergrad b/c they would give more fin aid from what jacob and phishdave said and the flexibilty and internship oppurtunities. I think that maybe Columbia would be better for law school. Does anyone have info on Columbia Law?

By Nyhopeful (Nyhopeful) on Tuesday, July 08, 2003 - 07:20 pm: Edit

Phishdave how much FIN AID did your cousin recieve

Also, I am really into debate, and have been somewhat successful. Do both of these schools have teams? I know NYU does. ALL INFO WELCOME! THANX!

By Themabrklyn (Themabrklyn) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 04:29 pm: Edit

Debate at the college level has always been seen as a joke by high schoolers who seriously debate. What kind of debate do you do? I do Lincoln-Douglas. Just so you know, John Sexton, the President of NYU, was a former debater and debate coach. He takes debate very seriously and says that anyone that gets into the quarter-finals at national high school tournaments will definitely be in to NYU. For debate, I'd say NYU, but I'm sure Columbia has a good team as well. But overall, college debate is a big letdown across the board from the excitement of high-school debate.

By Anotherdad (Anotherdad) on Wednesday, July 09, 2003 - 05:33 pm: Edit

Yes, I have observed some truth to the stories about the smart slackers at NYU, but it is also obvious that students in the premier programs (Tisch, Stern, Courant, CAS Scholars, etc.) are getting as good an education as any in the country. Easily as good as Columbia, but different and in a different environment. It is a question of what fits your personality and specific educational goals. With the debate backgound, NYU might be right for you.
Other schools that are known for flexibility in their programs are Brown and Vassar.

By Cdblizzard862 (Cdblizzard862) on Friday, August 22, 2003 - 05:01 pm: Edit

Phishdave, Does your cousin get to take a lot of hands-on film courses at Gallatin? Are they as good with counseling and internships as it says they are?