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I have always wanted to go to Columbia- but recently, I have begun my college visits and fell in love with u penn as well... I want to major in biological engineering but cannot chose which college would suit me best.

Anyone have any advice? Comments?


Here are the stats (they were posted before):

Currently I am a junior at a competitive high school (boarding school).

Classes: Honors bio, honors chem, honors physics, ap bio, ap physics, alg 2 honors, pre calc honors, ap calc ab, ap american, ap american art, french 3 honors, french 4 honors, ap french, eng 2 honors, eng 3 honors, ap eng lit

My overall avg is a 91... my school doesnt weight or rank.

Sports:
Sailing
Fencing (1st in state)
Crew (2nd in nation)

Clubs:
Forensics- Captain
Student Life Committee (only 10 kids... meets with trustees and the headmaster)
Key Club- VP, Editor
SADD- VP
Literary Magazine
Literary Newspaper
Tour Guiding

Projected SAT: 1430

SAT IIs: I will be taking Math, Writing, and French Lit

By Mosquito86 (Mosquito86) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 07:14 pm: Edit

Well first things first...

what do you really want out of a college experience? i can't really say what would suit you unless i know what kinds of things you want.

I have applied to both engineering schools:

I don't consider myself a big techie. I am interested in engineering, but also want to get a well-rounded education in college.

At UPenn-I definitely noticed that you can be well-rounded, but it's not exactly handed to you. As well, you have opportunities to take classes at Wharton..which is great if you want to get into the business side of engineering. As well, since I want to do chemical eng, UPenn is great b/c so many companies that want chemical engineers are around the area.

At Columbia-I personally liked Columbia's program better. I really loved how Columbia focused on making their students well-rounded and surrounding them w/ culture. This definitely attracted me to the program. Plus, I hear there are a lot of internships available all over NYC.

What also may influence your decision is location. Does NYC or Philadelphia sound more attractive to you? UPenn (while sort of suburban w/in the school) is very open to the urban area. Columbia is a bit more secluded. What kind of place do you want to spend 4 years of your life?

Another thing that may influence your decision: chances of getting in. I suppose your trying to decide which school you want to apply early to. I know, that Columbia accepts most of its ED applicants for its engineering school. Applying to Fu Foundation early, may better your chances in getting into one of your top choices (so you won't have to worry the rest of your senior year!). I have no idea what UPenn's engineering statistics are.

Continue to work hard...I think you'll be fine at whatever school you end up. Good luck!

By Spyrey (Spyrey) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 09:00 pm: Edit

Cornell is superior to both UPenn and Columbia when it comes to engineering...go to Cornell.

By Jenandahalf (Jenandahalf) on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 - 09:31 pm: Edit

I want to study biological engineering while I am on the pre-med track...

People, do you think I have a chance at Fu?

By Ares15 (Ares15) on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 03:57 pm: Edit

Cornell engineering is definitely more "hardcore." Go there if you want to truly become an engineer. Penn and Columbia are better for more well-rounded kids. Plus, Penn and Columbia, on the whole, are more respected as universities.

By Mosquito86 (Mosquito86) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 04:39 am: Edit

Jenandahalf,

I don't think anyone can say anybody has a chance at Fu. However, I do have a few pieces of advice. On your Sat Math IIC and SAT I math, I would suggest tryin to score at least a 750. This will show your strength in mathematics skills and make a competitive engineering applicant. As for SAT IIs: While I think taking French Lit is useful and will show your variability, I would suggest taking the chemistry or physics SAT II. For any engineering colleges you apply to, these sat iis come in handy (some even require them). It's definitely a great idea to take one of them. As for your ECs...it's really what you make of them on your app. It's one thing to write down you sail...but if your able to write about that or even send some supplementary material that highlights your sailing experience..it would be a great way of promoting yourself. I'm only using sailing as an example (i just thought that was a very kewl and rare ec).

Best advice: Be yourself on your apps. Show your passions and show your interest in the college.

Good luck.

By Jenandahalf (Jenandahalf) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 12:09 pm: Edit

Thank you- that is a great piece of advice and that is what I always do: be myself...

Columbia does not wish to recieve supplementary info though- so I am a little shaky on doing so.

By Mosquito86 (Mosquito86) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 04:00 pm: Edit

Jenanahalf,

Columbia does welcome supplementary info. I called and asked about my sending supplementary info and they were very receiving to the idea. In fact, I sent a videotape of my dancing. They were totally kewl with it.

By Jenandahalf (Jenandahalf) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 04:19 pm: Edit

ok, so then you are suggesting that I write a supplementary essay highlighting my expieriences with my ECs?

By Mosquito86 (Mosquito86) on Thursday, March 18, 2004 - 05:48 pm: Edit

I suggest visuals. Send in a small portfolio of you and pictures of you doing your fave EC. Also, a short resume. Something that's pleasing to the eye and a quick read.

By Jenandahalf (Jenandahalf) on Friday, March 19, 2004 - 11:57 pm: Edit

Great idea... Thanks!

I heard a rumor the other day- that is easier for females to get accepted into engineering programs... true or false? Either way, I love the field.

By Mosquito86 (Mosquito86) on Saturday, March 20, 2004 - 12:54 am: Edit

For the most part it is true. However for bioengineering or biomedical engineering, it doesnt hold true really (since it's very popular in general). However if a girl applies like electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, or applied math, she has has a better chance. At Columbia, the girl-guy ratio is very disproportionate. Girls have a great chance of gettin into Fu Foundation.

By Mrcollegeexpert (Mrcollegeexpert) on Monday, March 22, 2004 - 08:24 pm: Edit

Also, send a film of your Mom and Dad Flamenco dancing.

It may not help you get in, but the clerks in Admissions will get some good chuckles from it.