Columbia campus visit = demonstrated interest?

tryandsucceed
Thu, 23 Jun 2011 01:25:08 +0000

So I was wondering if Columbia takes into account demonstrated interest. I know most top colleges don’t, like Yale, but I wanted to know if Columbia does.

Personally, I think they do. I went to a joint-college info session, and they took down names. On their site, you have to sign up for a tour and fill out things like when you graduate, what major you’re interested in, etc… I know that for Yale it doesn’t matter; on their site you don’t have to sign up for tours or submit any info or anything.

I got an e-mail invitation to their Summer Science Invitational (the registration includes filling out some info, like above), and of course I would love to go but would rather save the money if my attendence doesn’t matter. I researched the going rates for flights, and I found a deal for $400–round trip (from south Florida) from JetBlue Airways and 1 night at a hotel that’s a short walk from Times Square.

I’ve been there before for a Columbia Scholastic Press Association for Journalism during spring break, but it wasn’t a technical tour.

I’m a sophomore (junior starting this fall), too, and Columbia is my top choice school. I’ll be applying ED.

During my school’s College Fair this past year I talked with the admissions representative there; he conducts interviews for undergraduates in my area. I’ve been in contact with him since then, and he absolutely loves me and says I should go to Columbia.

So, do they really care about demonstrated interest/my attendence at this event? Should I go even if they don’t? I know I love the campus since I’ve been there for a few days before. At this event I’d get feedback from current students there and get some details on each of the science departments, etc…

Thoughts? It would really be appreciated. :)