<p>You need to stop listening to this nonsense and be prepared to make your own assessment. My little one is finishing her sophomore year and just loves Columbia. The education is absolutely outstanding. But, of course, the curriculum is extremely rigorous. Columbia is routinely ranked the # 1 or #2 most rigorous university in the U.S., particularly because of the core (last year #1, this year #2 to Stanford). So, yes, it will be an enormous amount of work. And yes, it will be stressful. But you will meet awesome people (students and professors) while getting a world-class education. And you won’t be competing with your fellow classmates as much as learning from them, as they will learn from you. And, a little secret, a lot of Harvard undergrads are secretly miserable. I know. I taught there, after doing my grad studies at Harvard. It is no “chill” utopia. Universities at this level are all stressful places with their own unique characteristics. Columbia is no worse than these other schools. Just different. Very urban, hip, dynamic…</p>
<p>My advice: ignore the stereotypes and “white noise” of outside commentary. And be sure to attend one of the pre-orientation programs like Coop or Cue. My little one did the Coop hiking excursion and really bonded with her fellow freshmen. And yes, she was REALLY REALLY nervous and was convinced she would make no friends…yada, yada, yada and couldn’t do the work…She adapted and adjusted and feels she made the absolute best decision out of the ten acceptances she received. She has grown as an intellect and as a person. You will too, if you go with an open mind and give Columbia a chance. If you do, you could have an extraordinary four years there.</p>
<p>In my opinion, by the way, the campus is BEAUTIFUL, a graceful oasis in New York’s Upper West Side. Morningside Heights is a classic college enveloping environment with lots of great shops, restaurants…Very cool! As for the facilities? No they are not decrepit. That is nonsense. </p>
<p>Just go and find out for yourself.</p>