Rob11095

Hey, so after getting back my SAT scores this week, and after some advise, i thought i was selling myself short by not applying to more top schools. After looking around, Columbia's engineering program seemed pretty interesting, particularly the Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics programs. I'm really interested in science and research, which is why i prefer these over a more traditional engineering discipline, but i also want the option of having a job out of school in-case i don't want to or can't go to grad school, which is why i prefer this over straight physics.

So, here are some questions:
1)Does anyone from the Applied Physics or Applied Math programs want to shed some light on them?
2)How plentiful are research opportunities for undergrads?
3)Is it common to double major (particularly the two majors above), or grab a minor?
4)Would it be easy to switch into one of the more traditional engineering fields if i find out that research is not for me?
5) I hear all the time that if you want to go into Engineering, don't go to an Ivy, is that true? Columbia's program seemed up to par, thoughts?
6)Is the campus one with the city, or is there a distinction? I haven't visited, but plan on it later in the summer or eventually.
7)Chance plox?

Some of the other schools im looking at are:
Reach- Cornell, Princeton
Matches- University of Rochester, Rensselear, Stevens Institute of Technology
Safety- TCNJ, NJIT

Some Stuff:
NJ Resident if you couldn't tell
First Generation student
URM-(Hispanic)

Scores:
Sat- 2190 Math-790, CR-690, Writing-710
SAT II- Math II- 800, Physics - 800, US History - 760

School stuff:
GPA: 4.0(UW), 4.9something (weighted)
Rank 6/435ish
Junior AP - AB Calc (would be surprised if i didn't get a 5), US History (would be surprised if i didn't get a 5), Lang (4 or 5), Self-Study(sorta) Physics B (4 or 5)
Senior APs planned - BC Calc, Lit, , Psych, Chem, Physics C Mech, Physics C EM(self study), Computer Science A (might have to self-study)
Honors everything else possible

Extra Curricular Junk:
Tae-Kwon-Do- since Kindergarten, first minor to get 3rd Degree Black belt in my Schools history
Accepted and going to NJ Governors School for Science
Taking Stats class at Community college over the summer cuz it doesn't fit into my schedule next year
Math League- Since Freshman year, Highest scorer, President
Interact Club- since sophomore year, on executive board, raised/donated $2000-$3000 this year
National Honor Society- Secretary
Science Honor Society
World Language Honor Society
Founded Computer Science Club
Proficient in Java and Python
Volunteering to tutor at the Library every Summer
President of Environmental Club since sophomore year
Attend Student Ocean Advocates since sophomore year, a county wide organization that develops leadership and advocacy skills with a focus on the environment

Rob11095

Bump plox?

ParthivNaresh

You're a URM, what are you worrying about? Your SAT is up to par, as is your GPA and EC's. Unless you write a horrible essay, or your recommendations are devastating, there's no reason to worry.

Saob12

If you want an undergraduate education centered on theoretical over applied physics, don't apply to the engineering school. As many of the SEAS grads on this board will tell you, being good at physics does not necessarily make a good engineer. However, if you do decide on SEAS, it's not hard to change tracks for the first 2-3 semesters, since the classes are pretty much standardized. Research is available if you seek it out and get to know your professors well. Columbia is not "one with the city" in the same way as NYU. It has a campus, centralized buildings and dorms. Midtown Manhattan is only a subway ride away though.

Lastly, know that if you are admitted/attend Columbia (I agree with the previous poster - you have a good shot), you'd take physics classes alongside Core Curriculum classes, which are predominantly in the humanities, even moreso if you decide on the College Your reach schools all have different approaches to engineering/physics. Princeton has the thesis, Columbia has the core, and Cornell has its own methodology. Do more research as to the type of program you prefer.

abscalc

^ Can't applied mathematics and applied physics not be taken via columbia college? Does it need to be taken via SEAS only?

Upon looking up the courses, applied maths and physics seems to be also a part of the College - upon scrolling down there is a list of requirements for applied mathematics

Mathematics | Columbia College

Can someone please clarify if this is possible to do (major in) applied math/applied physics via Columbia college as well?

Columbia10027

I'm a current Columbia student (class of '14) and I'm working on starting a company that provides application and essay counseling/advice, but I'm trying to freelance my services a bit before diving in. I'm planning on offering one on one skype conferences to evaluate candidates' essays or applications/supplements. Contact me at rcm2140@columbia.edu for more info!

SantaClaws

@abscalc: Theoretical mathematics and physics are part of the college, but applied (experimental/research-based) mathematics and physics are part of the engineering school (School of engineering and applied science)

@Rob11095: I agree with ParthrivNaresh, you are up to par for Columbia. Just make sure that you work, work, work, on that application and make sure that you reeeally show that passion through your essay and short-answers. It can be easy to blend into the crowd when it comes to a school like Columbia where most or all of the applicants are on the same extremely high level as you academically. Also a lot of volunteer work is a great idea for any school. Good luck!