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.

The food is pretty bad and housing is mediocre for the most part, but everything else is amazing!

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

1

2014

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

Amazing.

Now it is on the common app with a supplement. They offer early decision. There are essays, interviews, required tests.

4

2011

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.

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.

1

2014

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

1

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.

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

1

2014

Core curriculum of humanities, arts

2 semesters science and 2 semesters PE required

academic advising

supplement to Common Ap

I applied regular decision

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

4

2011

Columbia has the core requirement for both its liberal arts school a nd its engineering school. Students have to take a selection of classes ranging form ancient Greek literature to economics and the visual arts. Academic advising begins with a general advisor freshman and sophomore year, and then each students gains an additional advisor within his or her major. Class sizes range from 14 - 200, with the more of the classes concentrated in the 30s range. Professors are highly accessible, they all have office hours and can always be reached after class. Research opportunities are quite abundant, one is able to essentially get in touch with a professor and begin working with him or her right away.

Competition at Columbia exists but its barely noticeable. During the days before finals week one can see how the campus has died down and how students are beginning to hit the books. The grading is fair, with a slight grade inflation, but significantly less as compared to other institutions. The workload is quite manageable. Even with some of the hardest freshman classes, I can still find time to fit in extracurriculars for 15 hours a week.

Housing is great, the dorms are spacious are are well designed to accustom the needs of an average college student. The cost of living is to be expected when one is living in NYC. Dining is decent on campus, but the food in the city are what's really enticing. Safety has never been an issue on campus, I've never felt unsafe on or around campus.

Unique short answer questions that seem innocuous and innocent but actually is a great gauge of the applicant. Only one admissions essay but this application is not on the Common App. Columbia has both the Early Decision and Regular Decision, I went with early.

1

2013

The defining tenet of a Columbia education is the Core Curriculum through which students learn the foundations upon which our Western society was built; it is necessary to understand the current system and its origins in order to successfully navigate and change it. These texts and ideas provide a common bond for all Columbia students past and present.

The area around Columbia is both beautiful and safe. The subway is located immediately at the entrance of campus so we maintain a connection to all of New York City.

The admissions process at Columbia is fairly similar to those of other schools; the essays at the time of my application asked expected questions like "Why Columbia?". Admissions decisions are need-blind and financial aid is need-based. The price tag on the school can seem overwhelming but my financial aid package has made the cost of attending Columbia completely manageable. In fact, I felt comfortable enough with my aid package to turn down a full scholarship from another school to attend Columbia, a decision I do not regret.

4

2010

We have an extensive and unique Core Curriculum at Columbia. It spans about 2-3 years and takes up about half of your course load. We have a large list of majors, as well. Classes are very small, most are around 20 students or less. This makes the professors very accessible and caring. There are many research opportunities here as well as internship opportunities because we are located in New York City.

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