<p>Which school is better for chemistry/biochemistry and arabic language? I need quite a bit of freedom in choosing what classes and majors/minors I want to take because at this point I’m interested in a bunch of stuff. I want to go ton the premed track, but I don’t want to swamped in a lot of science classes. I’d love taking classes in gender studies, history, philosophy and public policy. </p>
<p>I’d also like to study abroad in Jordan or Egypt, and join a bunch of clubs. Can anyone help me?</p>
<p>I am a student at Columbia, and I will try to answer some of your questions </p>
<p>My favorite part of Columbia is that we both get the Core Curriculum which will really allow you to delve into the humanities in a new and challenging way, but also a lot of academic freedom to explore different areas that might interest you. There is no need to be worried about wanting to be pre-med but at the same time having a strong interest in the Humanities - I have a friend majoring in Music but is pre-med at the same time. </p>
<p>I have taken a lot of classes in the areas of public policy - such as Inequality in Public Policy and Comparative Constitutional Challenges. I am a sociology major - but take classes in many different subject areas - and some of my favorite courses have been in policy and ethnic studies. If you have more specific questions about these please ask and I can elaborate. </p>
<p>In regards to student clubs - we have over 500 student groups stemming from cultural groups, to pre-professional groups, to sports and other interests. There are PLENTY of chances to get involved, and there will be activity fairs where you can learn about all of the clubs and get onto their mailing lists! </p>
<p>In regards to study abroad - I have a friend who did a study abroad program in Egypt, so I know that it possible, I also have another friend who is interning in Jordan for the summer for an internship that she got through Columbia. There are so many different ways to be able to study abroad - either for work, internships, or for a semester!</p>
<p>I hope that this has been helpful, let me know if you have more questions!!</p>
<p>think about it this way: all top-level universities have excellent programs in almost every field. what’s arguably more important is where you want to spend the next four years. if you want a more traditional college experience/generally like the vibe at Cornell better, then pick Cornell. If you want to live in NYC and prefer the atmosphere at Columbia, pick Columbia. I’m not a student at either institution currently (planning on Columbia '16), but from my knowledge of New York, I have a feeling that you’d have more resources available to you, especially with regard to Arabic. As someone who’s currently taking Arabic, I’ve found that being around native speakers is best. # NYC native speakers > # Ithaca native speakers.</p>
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