Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

College is perhaps the most life-changing of experiences in your academic career. Its goal is to challenge the very foundation of your beliefs and values, and the most important piece of advice in making the most of your college career is to be open-minded. You will take at least one class that will challenge your current way of thinking, and perhaps make you uncomfortable with these new ideas being thrown at you. You are forced to accept them because you need the grade, but enjoy this experience because this is what makes college so new and exciting! Strike a balance between work and social activities, but keep in mind that there is more to a social life than partying. Be active in volunteerism - it is what makes society function at its best and allows you to meet new friends with similar interests. For those trying to look for the perfect college, remember that looks are deceiving. Immerse yourself in the college for a day - attend a class and talk to the students and faculty there. You will be surprised at how many things they tell you that are not in the viewbooks!

For me, I had a lot of trouble deciding between attending Northwestern or Brandeis University. I didn't make a decision until I stayed over at both schools and compared my visits. It turned out that I had an amazing time at Brandeis, where I met people as a prefrosh that I am still friends with today. At Northwestern, I found it boring and not for me. So I guess I would really recommend visiting the University while it is in session, and if possible to sleep over and stay with a current student to get a real perspective for the school. I was also very glad I chose Brandeis because of the courses required and the opportunity to study civil engineering at Columbia University. I wanted a liberal arts education but in my sophomore year realized I also wanted something related to architecture, and the civil engineering program with Columbia was perfect. So it is important to know about the courses you are required to take, because if I had attended a different university, with stricter required classes, I might not have had the chance to take the art and science classes that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Find the college that you can financially afford while receiving the best education for the price you pay to attend school.

Spend time there and talk to the people

It's a corrupt, unpredictable crapshoot; apply everywhere.

Go where you feel you can make the most of college experience. It is not about rankings, sats, your parent's ambitions. It's about expanding your horizon and stretching your mind in a place where you'll feel good and be proud. My advice is to go visit different colleges and try to find one where you have this inspiring moment where you know that you're place is there and it is in this environement that you will grow in the adult you will be tomorrow. I am an international student and even though I didn't speak english when I first came to Columbia, I immediately knew that the students I saw around me could be my friends because it felt right. Try to imagine yourself living in the college you're visiting and know if you like this image you see in your head. Also, remember that you're the only one choosing for how you live your college life, so make the most of it.

Use your gut instinct. Don't attend a school based on the name, the price, etc. When you step on campus it should feel right. Also, make sure that it has the major that fulfils what you want to do with your life. If you're not 100{4a082faed443b016e84c6ea63012b481c58f64867aa2dc62fff66e22ad7dff6c} certain of what your major is going to be, make sure you choose a college where it's easy to switch majors.

Don't be afraid to ask questions. You are there to learn and you deserve to be there no matter what anyone tells you/

I would encourage parents and students to consider the holistic experience of attending each potential college, instead of focusing on a name brand. With drive, a student can get a quality education anywhere. What cannot be replicated are the social conditions unique to every school that will play a key role in shaping that student on the course to adulthood.

Know before you apply to colleges what career path you want to take and what kind of social environment you want to be in.