hurryCANE

Hi, all.

Below is optional reading material:

(After high school I turned down offers from some excellent schools in favor of staying close to home with scholarship money. Now, I am ready to flirt with the authentic, going-away sort of college experience. I applied to several schools as a transfer and to Columbia as a visiting student. Well, I got rejected by all but one of the transfer schools (a school I hardly like any better than my current school and at great cost) and am waiting on Columbia to see if I get accepted into the VS Program (I think acceptance is likely w/ a 40% admit rate even if the applicant pool is self-selective). Columbia was my second choice, so I thought I'd diversify my application stack with a VSP app. Now for my question...)

Is the program worthwhile? The idea of a year in NYC (I've two left) is appealing because I am very attached to my hometown and my current school. Do people look down on visiting students? Do you find them on the same plane as Columbia kids? At the school I attend (look at my sn for a clue) there are many students who rejected Columbia in favor of better weather and scholarship $$$.

Basically... any thoughts on the program?

P.S. This applies to the Columbia College program, not the extension school-like program.

Thanks!

hurryCANE

Okay. So I got accepted. What to do?

The opportunity to be immersed in the learning community offered at Columbia is tempting, but will I be considered by Columbia students to be an observer of their brilliance, or a member of their community? Also, to live for two semesters in NYC is an exciting life experience.

Correct me if I am wrong: many Visiting Student Program kids are on exchange from equally brilliant institutions from around the world. Or is it a breeze to be accepted. Their were several postponements in delivering the decision so it certainly seems as they were considering all applications with care.

hurryCANE

Hello? 123

Epaminondas

I think it depends more on how you make of the situation and how you behave. Sure, there are going to be jerks; but there are also many friendly and nice Columbia students.

cujoe169

i knew a visiting student, you can't really tell they're visiting students unless they explicitly tell you. take that how you will, but imho, you'll be treated as any other columbia student. similarly the experience will be that as if you were any other undergrad.

Epaminondas

Yes, remember there are about 6000 undergraduate students at Columbia. I don't think you'll be singled out unless you make yourself stand out like a sore thumb.

hurryCANE

Cool. Thanks.

I'm looking foward to being a typical Columbia student, if briefly.

canudoa9

if you dont mind me asking what were your stats in college? Im really interested but I kinda want to know what Im up against