Columbia University in the City of New York

“Columbia has been an incredible experience for me. The Core Curriculum is challenging but it really does give you a well-rounded education that you can't get anywhere else. Being in NYC is unbeatable - there are so many opportunities for internships, cultural experiences, and networking. The alumni network is also incredibly strong.”

“The location is phenomenal. You're in the heart of Manhattan with access to everything - museums, concerts, restaurants, job opportunities. The professors are top-notch researchers and experts in their fields. The intellectual environment pushes you to think critically about everything.”

“I loved my time at Columbia. The Core opened my mind to so many different perspectives and ways of thinking. My classmates were brilliant and passionate. The career services and alumni connections helped me land my dream job right after graduation.”

“The academic rigor at Columbia is no joke, but it prepares you incredibly well for whatever comes next. The diversity of the student body means you're constantly learning from people with completely different backgrounds and perspectives. New York City becomes your campus.”

“The resources available at Columbia are amazing - research opportunities, study abroad programs, guest speakers who are leaders in their fields. The prestige of the Columbia name has opened so many doors for me professionally.”

“The administration is completely out of touch with student needs. Mental health resources are overwhelmed and hard to access. The workload is crushing and there's very little support. Housing is a nightmare - overpriced and often in poor condition.”

“For the price tag, I expected much better. Classes are often huge lectures where you never interact with the professor. TAs do most of the teaching. The Core feels outdated and Eurocentric. There's a lot of grade deflation which makes pre-med and pre-law tracks unnecessarily brutal.”

“The social scene is really fragmented. Greek life dominates if you want a traditional college experience, but it's exclusive. The campus feels isolated from the rest of the university because everyone is so busy. Making close friends is hard when everyone is stressed and competitive.”

“Columbia doesn't have much school spirit or community feeling. People are more focused on their individual success than building a cohesive student body. The administration has handled recent controversies terribly and doesn't listen to student concerns.”

“The cost of attendance plus living in NYC is astronomical. Financial aid packages often don't cover everything, and you're constantly spending money. The academic advising is poor - advisors are overworked and don't know you personally. Registration is a nightmare every semester.”