Columbia University in the City of New York

Columbia University in the City of New York is an attractive option for me because I believe that it can bring out the competitive side of people. Aside from it being an Ivy League university, or one of the most highly rated ones, the title of being a student at Columbia goes a far way. It brings out people's desire to succeed, solely because of the title. Along with a person's passion, knowing that they go to a prestigious school allows them to further their drive for greatness. Whether it be to compete with peers or compete with themselves, a student at Columbia would always feel the good pressure that allows them to continuously improve and find ways to enhance themselves that they had never known before.

Growing up on the West Coast, I never imagined I would consider moving to the East Coast for college—let alone attend an institution in the heart of New York City. At first, the idea of leaving my home and transitioning to the fast-paced, bustling environment of the East Coast seemed daunting. However, after spending some time in New York, I’ve realized that it’s a city like no other, offering a world of opportunity that has completely changed my perspective. Columbia University, in particular, stands out to me for its prestigious academic programs, its diverse and intellectually stimulating campus environment, and its location in one of the most dynamic cities in the world. The university’s commitment to research and global engagement aligns perfectly with my academic and professional aspirations, providing an ideal platform for me to grow in my field. The chance to work alongside brilliant professors and peers would be a transformative experience that could shape my career for years to come. Moreover, the vibrancy of New York City offers endless possibilities outside of the classroom. From internships in cutting-edge industries to cultural experiences that enrich personal growth, the city provides an unmatched environment for learning and exploration. Columbia’s rich extracurricular offerings—from student organizations to networking opportunities—would allow me to immerse myself fully in both my academic pursuits and my personal passions. Ultimately, Columbia University represents an environment where academic rigor, cultural exposure, and real-world opportunities come together. After spending time in New York, I am excited about the prospect of building my future there and taking advantage of everything Columbia and the city itself have to offer.

Columbia University is not for the faint of heart—but if you thrive in fast-paced, intellectually stimulating environments, it’s the place to be. What I Love: 1. Unmatched Academic Rigor: The coursework challenges you in ways you never imagined. Professors push you to think critically, question everything, and never settle for easy answers. It’s exhausting—but in the best way. 2. Diverse & Brilliant Peers: Columbia attracts some of the smartest, most driven people in the world. Conversations outside the classroom are just as educational as lectures. The most supportive people I have met. 3. Opportunities Galore: Whether it’s research, internships, activism, or networking, there’s no shortage of ways to build your future. 4. NYC is Your Campus: Need a study break? One minute you’re stressed about an exam, the next you’re exploring museums, theaters, parks, or getting korean bbq in Ktown. What’s... Meh? - Fast-Paced & Cutthroat: Columbia can feel overwhelming, and imposter syndrome is real. If you don’t learn how to balance the grind, burnout is inevitable. - Expensive (Like, Really Expensive): Even with scholarships, cost of living in NYC is brutal. Final Verdict: Columbia is challenging, exciting, and sometimes chaotic—but it forces you to grow in ways no other university can. If you can handle the pressure, you’ll leave with an experience (and network) that lasts a lifetime.

In the City of New York, Columbia University is a remarkable establishment that unites demanding coursework with unmatched chances for both professional and personal development. Its unique setting in the bustling center of New York City allows education to blend in perfectly with the professional, intellectual, and cultural treasures of one of the greatest cities in the world. I am fascinated by Columbia's Core Curriculum, which is a defining feature of its undergraduate program, as a potential student. Students are prepared to tackle global issues with a well-rounded viewpoint thanks to this common academic basis, which also promotes critical thinking and a varied exchange of ideas. My passion for multidisciplinary research is echoed by the Core, which enables me to combine my interests in cultural studies, sustainability, and civic participation. Beyond the classroom, Columbia's dedication to community involvement and creativity is admirable. There are no better chances to cooperate with peers from different backgrounds, engage with distinguished instructors, and take part in ground-breaking research. My goals to develop significant solutions that tackle social and environmental challenges are in line with those of groups like the Columbia Undergraduate Consulting Club and the Earth Institute. Lastly, Columbia's vibrant campus life reflects its inclusive and leadership-oriented culture, from Morningside Heights' multicultural vibrancy to the university's international ties. In addition to developing as a scholar, I see myself becoming a person who can effect significant change both inside and outside of Columbia. In my opinion, Columbia is more than just a university; it is a global symbol of opportunity and change.

Columbia University in New York City is an institution that truly embodies excellence, innovation, and opportunity. Nestled in the heart of Manhattan, Columbia offers students a unique blend of rigorous academics and access to one of the most dynamic cities in the world. The university’s academic programs are second to none. From its renowned Core Curriculum that fosters well-rounded critical thinkers to cutting-edge research opportunities, Columbia challenges students to grow intellectually and creatively. The professors are not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who inspire and guide students to excel. Columbia’s campus is an oasis in the bustling city, offering a vibrant community and a stunning mix of historic and modern facilities. Whether it’s studying in the iconic Butler Library, attending thought-provoking lectures, or joining one of the hundreds of student organizations, there’s always something exciting happening. What sets Columbia apart is its unparalleled access to opportunities. Being in New York City means students can intern at world-class companies, network with industry leaders, and immerse themselves in diverse cultures and perspectives. The city becomes an extension of the classroom, enriching the educational experience beyond measure. Columbia fosters a culture of ambition and inclusivity. It’s a place where driven individuals from all backgrounds come together to learn, innovate, and make a difference. For anyone seeking an environment that combines academic rigor with real-world opportunities, Columbia University is an exceptional choice.

Columbia University is an artistically rich school with a culture like none other. For me, as a film/art student, having a quality education combined with New York is an incredible experience. I wouldn't have the amazing opportunities I currently have if it wasn't for this school. Professors have recommended that I get involved with film festivals, and I have made connections with some of the city's best arts/entertainment writers (if not the country). My experience with other departments has also been good, but I can't comment on them too extensively. Students across the board have been wonderful to interact with as well, and you get a lot of diversity in terms of background, beliefs, and experiences. It must be said that students are very politically active and engage in protests and calls to action. The recent protests revolving around divestment from Israel are evident examples, but it must be stressed that students were not the issue. President Shafik and her close administration enacted wrongful decisions on the protesters, declaring it a police matter when even the police didn't report it as a harmful demonstration. The new administration under her watch is highly questionable. That said, I don't wish for anyone to be deterred by these recent events. The faculty, student body, education, and New York scenery are exceptional.

I am currently a first year masters student in the human rights studies program that Columbia University offers. During the weeks before class where I have had to explore the campus to myself, I found a sort of enchantment with it. The reputation of Columbia University exceeds itself, and its quite difficult sometimes to not feel exasperated by imposter syndrome, but it serves as a reminder to me that everyone got here (at least mostly everyone), from their own merits and accomplishments. I will admit that for me, it has been an arduous process to acquire funding from the university, and even more so help from the financial aid office-- as there are injustices in how they decide who receives funding and who does not. And at times, I wish the university could help students and evenly disperse funds to students in need rather than shut them down. This matter affects nearly everyone in my program and is a rather sensitive, and even painful subject for some. Despite this, I know that my hard work will be worth it one day, and that keeps me going.

I begrudgingly take one last bite of the right half of my sub. It’s dripping wet and the mixture of avocado and hummus spread on both halves has made for a slippery descent of cold turkey meat. I fold the remainder up within the tough crinkling foil that reminds me of the blanket’s astronauts use in space and think to myself sitting alone. This was not the evening dining experience I had romanticized about when I thought of myself finally being accepted into an academic university of this caliber. It wasn’t so much the shitty seventeen dollar sub and the lonely feeling I got when I ran into one of my few friends on campus and she threw up her hand with an “I’m late,” unable to make out her facial expressions that would match the standoffish tone. I stood there in the middle of the foyer of Avery library feeling like an alien. Luckily, I was met with resistance when I tried to enter the library with a to go cup of coffee in my hand the front desk person redirecting me that only closed containers were allowed. He wasn’t being rude, I just felt that uncomfortable feeling again. I stood there for a moment and then decided I would plop down on the stone bench where the industrial sized blow dryer was dehydrating the slick floor and eat the leftover half of my bacon egg and cheese bagel from the morning. I tried my best to avoid touching the sandwich with my un-sanitized hands but to no avail. I ate the bagel contaminated and all and I enjoyed it. I had a moment of awareness, how strange I might look to passersby’s watching my mouth make love to this sweet no longer warm bagel, but remembered that even though no one says it, considering the amount of work our classes require, I believe we are all equally hungry most of the time. And so I keep eating and eventually I am met with the calm eyes of a class mate. We exchange friendly hellos and she sits down on the arm of the far end of the stone bench. I acknowledge the state I was in with a sense of humor and she is comfortably understanding. We exchanged a few words and before I know it we are many layers deep into the systemic capitalistic culture of Columbia. Naturally, it has been the third if not fourth conversation on the topic I had engaged in less than forty-eight hours. Someone is brushing their teeth in the bathroom. Everyones gone and I am alone. Everyones back. Theyre all walking by. I expressed to her a sense of warning that I observed coming from somewhere within me I couldn’t exactly point to. This sort of sentiment, a year ago, I would have turned the other cheek to. But something was happening in me, to me, that I found was also happening in others and somehow, I was regularly finding myself in exchange with them. It is my second real semester here at the University. If you don’t of course count the three previous semesters which I had to medically withdrawal from. One during the fall of 2020 when my partner relapsed into his addiction and was cooking crack in the basement of our very bourgeoise apartment building. That was the first time. I was taking French then too and couldn’t seem to hold my focus long enough to retain much of the elementary lesson. My teacher was a very sweet French woman. I wonder where she is now. The second time was in the summer of 2020 one when my partner and I moved back to Brooklyn from Florida and I was showing up to class in between driving through the five or is it six, lets see, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Deleware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, the six states that separate the two. I only lost out on around twelve hundred dollars of my tuition money that time, it wasn’t so bad. But no need to worry I made it back to the most important thing, Columbia University, where dreams come true, or die, or both? Both because in a way I came here thinking I would become an activist painter and I have fallen deeply for the pursuit of finding my voice and telling my story through the creative writing program, which I hear the best writers I know claim it’s something special. Whichever it is, I’m here to find out.

Honestly, I would not recommend this school to anyone who is facing a dire financial crisis because this university is one of the brokest among the Ivies. The financial aid is laughable and the university still wants to increase tuition when the students can’t afford it. The minorities on campus are ignored and neglected, especially the Black community on campus. This school is somewhat segregated between rich and poor. They only care about you as an individual if you have wealth. Otherwise, you’ll be disregarded like the rest of us.

a great and beautiful campus where everyone will feel welcomed. They also provide with great programs and teachers seems to be very nice and friendly towards students. It's also located in NYC so there are nearby shops and restaurants to go with families or friends.

Columbia University is truly a wonder. A quiet haven of pure academia nestled within the ever-growing and roaring city that is New York. With free access to the world's greatest museums, the city is the greatest classroom. I cannot wait to start my new adventure there.

Columbia is an incredible place overflowing with brilliant minds. It is quite competitive and challenging, but help is very accessible and the work load is usually manageable. My main complaint pertains to lectures– I have found that professors cover a small portion of the material students are expected to know by the end of each course, and the responsibility falls on us to teach ourselves the coursework. Aside from this, Columbia is truly a great university and I am lucky to be a part of such a prestigious insitituion.

I did not enjoy the tour. There was a long informational part of the college tour at the beginning of the tour and me and y school fell asleep through, their talk. Highly disappointed if I had to be honest. I came all the way fro New, Orleans, Lousiana, so across the nation, and I was disappointed .

My overall opinion of Columbia University is that it's a great education, with top tier academics, an expansive network of alumni, great educational and extracurricular resources, and unique job/fellowship/internship opportunities that are often only available to Columbia students. It's expensive in NYC, but worth it for the opportunities.

Undoubtedly inferior to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. General Studies is a complete joke of a program and its selectivity is nonexistent. The graduate programs are HUGE and have very little selectivity, if any at all. We have over 33,000 students, for crying out loud. No Ivy, even Cornell, comes close to that inanely large student population - 33,000 is much closer to the population of a public university. Essentially no focus on undergrads. No school spirit or sense of community, partially due to the location in New York. Facilities (housing, academic buildings) are awful, especially when considering that we have the highest tuition in the country. Transfer acceptance rate is through the roof compared to HYPSM; it’s almost as if they let anyone in. And don’t let the 5.1% acceptance rate fool you; half of the student body applied solely because Columbia is the only Ivy in NYC. If we were located in New Haven or Hanover, there is little doubt in my mind that the acceptance rate would be at least 9-10%. Not to mention, the campus is fewer than 40 acres large and is extremely unimpressive when compared to Princeton’s or Yale’s. Advising is terrible. Overrated joke of a school, much less an Ivy.