Columbia University in the City of New York Top Questions

Just do it

Guide books and college rankings are a woefully inadequate way to find the right college. In the end, creating the right college experience comes down to the people you will be learning from and studying with. That's why you need to find a way to talk to students, interact with teachers, and *stay at* the campuses you are thinking about attending. Just seeing what a dorm room, cafeteria, and library look like tell you nothing about how you would live there. Spend a night, sleep on a student's floor, and do the things they do. When you find the school for you, it'll be an undeniable feeling you just know is right. Once you've found your dream school, take the time to listen to the experiences of your fellow classmates. You may find that their stories and ambitions open your eyes for careers and lifestyles that you've never even considered before. And having the knowledge to chart your own course in life is what will make you happy at school and afterward.

spend a night when doing the college search... go out and explore by yourself.

Talent wins out. In America, the meritocracy is alive and well. Only you can dictate where you'll end up in your career, your family life, your home ownership status, and a million other things that young people have to worry about these days. So don't do what I did, and let your college choice be overly influenced by your desire for the school's prestige to earn you a job and respect from others. I asked too much for my university, a great university, and it left me tens of thousands of dollars in debt. You have to find the right fit. Think of the things you value--academic freedom, diversity of the student body, proximity to internship opportunities, rigorous academics--and let those factors have as much a say in the selection of your future alma mater as your mom's opinion, or your guidance counselor's suggestion, or your peers' judgments. Go where you'll be happy and you will flourish. You will learn more, make more friends, perform better on papers and in interviews. Let yourself develop your talent and then your talent will lead you from there.

The adjustment to college course work, a campus social life and a new living situation can be overwhelming for students coming out of high school. It is important to choose a school where you think you will be able to build a support network of faculty, staff and friends who can help you to thrive in your new environment. Some students thrive at larger universities, while others prefer a smaller college community. You should choose an environment in which you feel you will be respected and supported, by both your peers and your superiors. I loved attending college in New York City and believe that my personal development was greatly benefitted by that experience. The downside to being in New York City for four years was the difficulty of living within my means/budget. This factor is one thing that I overlooked before deciding to go to Columbia. It is important to consider just how expensive the cost of living will be, both on campus and in the surrounding area. On campus and "college town/community" resources do not always cater to student budgets.

Finding the right college is relative to the individual but I will say if you know grad school is in your future attend the school with the best pedagogy not simply the best name. College is what you make it, therefore no matter where you go to school the amount you put into it you'll receive back. If you study you will reeive the grades you desire, if you get out and join activities or clubs & organizations you will meet people and will make more opportunities to enjoy yourself. On the other hand if you allow pride to get in the way and choose to stay in, thinking people should come to you, many wont they're too busy either studying or making sure they have fun. Also a key component is keeping an open mind while at the same time working on yourself and knowing who you are. The point of college is to make sure you are prepared when you graduate so work on your intellect as well as your spirit, grow! Use every amenity the school and city/town you're in provides and make sure you only give yourself the option to enjoy yourself.

Location, Location, Location

do your research, and apply to more than one school (unlike me!)

research your college before you go, and explore your neighborhood

Follow your heart. Its not about prestige, its about passion.

It is very important to research colleges thouroughly and see the campus before enrollment. Also, if at all possible, students should visit the campus on a normal class day to try and get a feel for the everyday workings of the college.