<p>Well, it’s really your call. There’s no faking your way thru it. You’ll find that most Columbia grads speak very highly of their core experience including many that fell the way you do. My advice to you is DON’T GET SEDUCED by NYC. If you really dispise writing lit papers then don’t go to Columbia because their core is one of the most extensive there is among top schools. If NYC attracts you, there’s always grad /med school.</p>