2014

There is a Core Curriculum, and a modified Core for the Engineering school. Class sizes vary. Research opportunities are possible, but can be hard to get. Tons of notable faculty. Lots of study abroad opportunities. Workload varies, but is generally pretty intensive.

ED and RD options available. Common application, supplement. Contacted for an interview if necessary.

1

There are many general requirements here at Columbia as the Core is the major initiative in academics. There are classes ranging from writing to the study of art and music. Engineering also has its own core that has a focus on the basics in math and the sciences. This is all done to give you a background in whatever field you choose to pursue. The workload is quite large as there is ALWAYS work to be done. But they amount of resources here is incredible and you can always get help if you seek it.

Core Curriculum of classes that all students take

many study abroad opportunities for most majors

access to professors at undergraduate and graduate levels

heavy workload

many students take more credits than minimum 'full time'

general advising

major advising depends on department

housing is somewhat expensive but nearby apartments are generally more expensive

great libraries around campus

on-campus dining is ok but most people don't keep meal plan all four years

community relations sometimes tense because of columbia expansion; generally fairly good on a person-to-person level

generally quite safe

Common Application and supplement

early decision available (I did regular)

need blind admissions

full need met with financial aid

no merit scholarships

alumni / current student interviews available

4

2011

Housing is not great. I think dining should be cheaper and more available to upperclassmen. I think there need to be more University sponsored events.

There is an early decision and regular decision option. It uses the Common Application. There is an interview process however it is not guaranteed. Our school only offers need based financial aid.

3

Core curriculum of humanities, arts

2 semesters science and 2 semesters PE required

academic advising

When I applied - (binding) Early Decision, unique application, 1 essay question and many interesting short answer questions about ourselves.

2014

Very challenging academics with a lot of support. Lots of opportunities to do whatever you want.

Amazing.

4

Housing at the school seems very nice for the location and the fact that our school is a bit older than many others. The library system is one of the best and the neighborhood is really calm and had many places to eat. There are even places open late into the night which is excellent for students who work late into the night.

When I applied the Columbia application was unique and different than the other colleges that I applied to. It asked you questions about why you felt the school was for you and even questions about what types of books and publications you liked to read.

2014

Core Curriculum (taken by all students in Columbia College) - Masterpieces of Western Literature (2 semester Great Books curriculum), Contemporary Western Civilization (two semester Western political philosophy curriculum), Frontiers of Science (plus two more semesters of science), University Writing (one semester writing seminar), Global Core (two semesters of non-Western classes), foreign language (4 semesters)

Has some of the nation's foremost scholars in most disciplines, but notably I have personally worked with Gary Okihiro and Andrew Delbanco.

Research assistantships easily attainable if desired.

Classes range from seminars to 200-person lectures, depending on which classes you sign up for.

Grading is tough, there's a lot of work, but it works out.

Most majors require around 30 credits, concentrations require between 15 and 25 (depending on the course of study).

Few study abroad opportunities through school, but possible through other affiliated programs.

Housing is pretty nice for NYC housing, and the dining halls are relatively decent. Very safe. Overall, very crowded; we don't have much space for each student, in the dining halls, student center, in the dorms, etc.

supplement to Common Ap

I applied regular decision

Need blind and full need met (no official merit aid)

2011

We have a fantastic and rigorous Core curriculum - it is the academic trademark of our university. Core class have under 20 people in them. Otherwise, it's pretty typical - you can have a major and/or concentration(s), and take electives.

Great quality of life. The workload can be a little too demanding, but the NYC atmosphere, amazing diversity and general attitude on campus is positive.

CommonApp, supplement, early decision and regular decision

2013

The Core Curriculum is pretty heavy - it constitutes about 1/3 of what you'll be studying in your time at Columbia - but despite the intense amount of effort you have to put into it, it really can change your perspectives on the world. It forces you to re-evaluate your thinking and all the values you hold. I feel like a totally different person coming out of it than I was going in.

It's pretty decent. It's a safe neighborhood, tons of restaurants, grocery stores, and local eateries. It's a really quiet neighborhood for Manhattan, but it's decent nonetheless.

They're making the switch this upcoming year to the Common Application, but before it was an entirely separate application process. There was something quite nice about having to fill out the application separately. It made you care more about the work you were putting into the application, since it couldn't just be replicated for 14 other schools.

4

We have great housing here. I live in a large double and next year will be getting a suite. It is reasonably priced considering the fact that we are in New York City. We have tons of libraries on campus, some of which are open 24/7. Our campus feels incredibly safe even though we are in such a large city -- our neighborhood, Morningside Heights, is very friendly.

Columbia does not use the Common Application. It has its own application with questions specific to Columbia (i.e., our Core Curriculum) and personal questions (favorite books and movies). Some students are offered interviews near their homes. There is Early Decision and Regular Decision. Financial Aid is need-based.

1

2013

part of the columbia application consists of a set of questions designed to get a better idea of who you are outside of the classroom. they ask about what kinds of books you read, music you listen to, and movies you watch.

2

2013

new york city, enough said.

Unique questions regarding books read and cultural activities, interviews, ED and regular decision.

2