Columbia University in the City of New York

The amount of learning that takes place in one semester at Columbia is truly amazing. I have learned more in such a short period of time than I would have ever thought possible. As much as we may all complain about how extensive the Core Curriculum is, it really is one of the aspects that makes a Columbia education so unique. I love sitting in my Lit Hum class, surrounded by students majoring in literature, physics, anthropology, math, and even the engineering students, discussing the literary merits of Lysistrata and the Epic of Gilgamesh. Aside from learning about the great literary works of the ancient world, Columbia has taught me so many other valuable lessons that have nothing to do with academia. Living in Morningside Heights has taught me how to live and function in one of the most urban places in the entire world. I have become an expert at navigating the NYC subway system. I have learned how to walk the streets of NY with the confidence of someone who has lived in the city their entire life. I have learned the location of some of the best places to grab a slice of real NY pizza. Columbia's status as an Ivy League institution is well deserved, in that it provides an excellent education in regards to not only academia, but to life as well.

Between the Common Core and the city of New York, it is difficult to conceive of an education more intellectually stimulating than that which Columbia provides. The Core allows students to engage with the great thinkers of the past, while New York City provides a wealth of cultural opportunities both historically oriented and contemporary. The result is an environment which enables students to conceive and accomplish important work.

It can be the best four years of your life and make all your dreams come true. However, there are MANY obstacles that will try and stop you from achieving this. In this end, it all depends on how forward-thinking, mature, in-the-moment you are and your general outlook of life.

Although I've only attended Columbia for one semester, I have yet to meet any professors or grad students who haven't provided an informative and unique perspective on their chosen field. To me, this is the main benefit of attending an Ivy League institution - the faculty. The Core Curriculum not only guarantees a strong liberal arts foundation for all students, but provides the context for an unusually dynamic intellectual community within the school: everyone will get your references, and discussions become that much more meaningful when everyone in your freshman class has the same intellectual background, but are also able to offer their own meaningful perspective. Also, you have all of New York City to supplement your education with the best of every field imaginable.

In terms of academics, the most interesting and unique part of the Columbia curriculum is the Core, a rigorous group of required classes for all students designed to last throughout all four years of study. It may sound daunting and restrictive -- and, on occasion, it is -- but on the whole, its purpose is to make sure that every student achieves a complete liberal arts education, and it succeeds well. Maybe the most fascinating Core class is Contemporary Civilization, a strangely named philosophical survey course in which you’ll read everything from Plato to Virginia Woolf. Like many Core courses, its effectiveness is largely dependent on your professor, but any class that is essentially an open discussion about fascinating philosophical topics is sure to pique students’ interest. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there’s Frontiers of Science, a freshman course designed to introduce students to various aspects of modern science. That may sound potentially interesting, but in reality, it’s badly organized and remarkably dull. Maybe the biggest problem is that there’s an enormous gradient across the students in terms of scientific experience, and the course is often too difficult for those with a weak science background and a walk in the park for students more used to academic science.
But learning is about more than just academics. Even though the classes are generally fascinating, I have undoubtedly learned the most from other students, extracurricular activities, and simply living in New York City. Columbia is perhaps most remarkable for its diversity of students, opportunities, and experiences. Having friends of many different backgrounds means exposure to a neverending collage of perspectives, which has done as much to expand my own thinking as much as any class. On top of this, living in the City means that the City itself is essentially unavoidable – this can be a hindrance or the greatest resource in the world, and approaching it as the lat...

The connections made with professors and instructors are great. The climate (in terms of the resources available) is perfect for the student who is itching to be independent and loves the city. However, it gets cold fast and stays cold for long periods of time - it snowed late April and was cold enough for coats in early May.

I feel that Columbia's Core Curriculum provides a nice, well-rounded education that many people pursuing engineering (or specifically strong math and sciences) may lack. A core useful for all students since I feel it could open up your mind about many different issues.

You can't go wrong with Columbia, it's a name everyone knows and it's great in everything. You'll be taught by world renown professors even as undergraduates. As much learning occurs inside the classroom as outside. There are too many clubs to count. Being in NYC allows you many internships and opportunities to learn about your future career path.

Columbia University is extremely challenging and therefore extremely rewarding. It does not allow you room to be average or mediocre because it encourages excellence. CU will show you what you are made of.

Columbia is easily one of the most intellectually stimulating universities in the north! While the core may seem stifling and constricting at first, you'll undoubtedly learn quite a bit concerning the roots of the Western literary tradition and philosophy; there's also the wide array of tongues available, so if you’re tired of Romance languages give Arabic a try! I personally enjoy it when the different disciplines and schools of thought intersect: sociology, philosophy, and literature your main interests? Feel free to take a class concerning all three in conversation!