See what Students are Posting about Columbia University

Competitive Admissions

Students recognize Columbia's highly selective admissions process, especially for programs like engineering, business, and political science. Admittance is seen as signaling strong academic and leadership potential.

Core Curriculum

Students frequently cite Columbia's Core Curriculum as a defining part of the academic experience. The structured set of courses across literature, philosophy, and the sciences is seen as both a strength and a commitment.

Students who appreciate a rigorous liberal arts foundation often view the Core as a major advantage.

Urban Campus

Columbia's location in New York City is seen as a major advantage for students seeking professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and networking. Access to internships across finance, media, public policy, and healthcare is emphasized.

Students mention balancing the demands of urban life with academic rigor when considering Columbia.

STEM and Research

Columbia's strength in STEM fields, research, and innovation is frequently highlighted. Students mention access to labs, research institutes, and collaborative projects across engineering, medicine, and natural sciences.

Financial Aid

Students often praise Columbia's generous need-based financial aid, which includes no-loan packages for many families. Financial aid competitiveness is cited as a major factor influencing enrollment decisions.

Diversity and Inclusion

Students appreciate Columbia's diverse and international student body. The campus community is described as vibrant, with a strong emphasis on inclusion and global engagement.

Career Outcomes

Students cite Columbia's strong career placement, particularly in finance, consulting, law, and media industries. The university's location and alumni network are seen as powerful assets for securing internships and jobs.

Social Life

Social life at Columbia is often framed as independent and city-integrated. Students build community through clubs, affinity groups, and residence halls but also engage heavily with New York City's broader offerings.

Some students appreciate the flexibility, while others seek a more traditional, self-contained college experience.

Peer Comparisons

Students accepted to Columbia often compare it to Yale, UChicago, Princeton, and Penn. Decisions center on academic rigor, financial aid, and urban campus setting.

Students drawn to a structured, intellectually intense environment tend to prefer Columbia.

Academic Rigor

Columbia's academic environment is widely described as rigorous and high-pressure. Students acknowledge that while the intellectual engagement is rewarding, the workload and pace can be intense.

Prospective students often weigh their ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding setting before choosing Columbia.