Attending college across the country can be a life-changing experience. While Oak Park is a relatively small and peaceful area, Columbia University is a sprawling campus based in the heart of New York City. The climate, culture and even the architecture are worlds apart from southern California.
But first, attendance requires an application, and luckily enough, the application process to Columbia is quite simple – in Ivy League standards. Early decision applications can make a huge difference at the school. Early applications have an 11.9% acceptance rate, compared to just 3.8% for a regular decision.
An application to Columbia consists of a few main steps. Along with the usual high school report and two teacher recommendations, students must respond to several short-answer questions and write multiple Columbia-specific essays. The submission of test scores such as the SAT and ACT are optional, as are interviews. However, the Ivy League has a high standard for academic performances.
Highly selective schools that receive far too many applications use a tool known as the Academic Index to filter out applicants. The tool essentially summarizes all of a student’s academic performances into just one number. If this number does not meet Columbia’s benchmark, there is a high probability that the application will not make it through to the admissions office.
The average SAT score of a Columbia student is anywhere from 1490 to 1580 and 34 to 35 for the ACT. The college is known for being highly competitive.
Yet for those who make it through this process, Columbia does a great job at making sure that financial aid is accessible to many students. While it isn’t guaranteed, nearly 50% of Columbia students receive grants from the university. The average amount awarded is $63,971, and Columbia awards more than $204 million annually in scholarships and grants.
However, the university’s costs are higher than average, an effect of being based in NYC. Columbia estimates a cost of approximately $358,000 for a four year tuition, including boarding and textbooks.
This is a hefty price to pay for an undergraduate degree, but the school’s leading programs justify the expenses. The Ivy League college ranks 12th in business subjects, 18th in engineering and eighth in law. Columbia University’s engineering and computer science programs are among the best in the country, but if you’re looking into a medical major, Columbia’s courses might not be worth the expenses.
When focusing on the objective numbers of a school, students often brush over the culture of the campus. Many students tend to overlook one key point when applying to colleges: they might actually end up living there. Knowing the area around the school is almost as important as knowing the school itself, and this is where things start to change for Columbia.
The life of NYC isn’t for everyone. In fact, it isn’t great for most people. Columbia University is surrounded by tall buildings and bustling streets where everyone seems to be in a hurry – which is to be expected for a campus built along Broadway. The campus itself is open and walkable but spans over a massive area that can be difficult to navigate at first.
Despite this, Columbia University also has the potential to be an incredible experience. Countless people dream of living in New York City and the school encapsulates many of its qualities.
Various polls consisting of students at the college think highly of the campus housing, food and overall quality of life. However, this data is slightly biased in favor of the school, coming from students that attend.
From the standpoint of an Oak Park High School student, Columbia University may seem like a redwood compared to an oak tree; the school is a stark contrast from Oak Park and its surrounding area. While New York City is diverse and exciting, it can also feel crowded and dangerous. Even students that attend Columbia find the campus somewhat unsafe.
As expected, the weather also harshly differs from southern California. Summers tend to reach high temperatures, but the rest of the year is significantly cooler than Oak Park’s climate. Winters can be chilly and difficult to adjust to.
Overall, attending Columbia University requires a very specific set of interests, yet the college is perfect for people who fit its niche. People willing to experience new challenges may enjoy Columbia as well. While adjusting to what may feel like another planet is a daunting task, some people are made for the heart of NYC.
