<p>I’d taken it for granted that I would be enrolling in a university in Manila, but my entire family convinced me to go global.</p>
<p>After an extensive and exhaustive research (which pretty much means I read most of the posts on this site) I’ve narrowed my choices down to two: Columbia and Stanford.</p>
<p>I love the thought of a small (relatively speaking) cozy campus in one of the greatest cities in the world. I’m already drooling at the prospect of being in NYC for 4 years or longer. I’m probably going to try to major in biosomething engineering with an eye towards a medical degree.</p>
<p>On the other hand, I love the thought of a huge, green campus close to a lot of major cities. I’d probably go for a pre-med degree on my way to a medical degree.</p>
<p>Assuming I don’t mess up in the next few months, my average will end up around 94 to 96.
I’ll be flying to the US in October to take the SATs there and also to visit the campuses. What’s October going to be like in Columbia and Stanford?
I’ve been accelerated twice, skipping 5th grade and 1st year.
Spent my junior year in Japan as an exchange student.
I’m not an athlete, unless you count wall handball.</p>
<p>What do you think my chances are of being accepted into Columbia or Stanford? (I’ll be posting this to the other forum as well to get their answers.)</p>
<p>After reading through Columbia’s website, I’m left with the notion that as long as I can achieve the bare minimum required, I’m in because Ill be a foreign student?
Stanford doesn’t really mention much about foreign student applications.</p>
<p>Financial aid isn’t necessary, if that matters.</p>
<p>On another note, assuming I’m accepted, my uncle told me I could use his place in Beekman if I go to Columbia. Is that too far? I checked the area using all sorts of maps and google earth, and its 4 or 5 miles away. I can get a car and I have an international license.
If its too far, then how much should I budget for an apartment or condo in a good neighborhood in the UWS or UES that’s close to Columbia?
University housing is not an option because of personal reasons.</p>
<p>“After reading through Columbia’s website, I’m left with the notion that as long as I can achieve the bare minimum required, I’m in because Ill be a foreign student?”</p>
<p>I’ve seen too many people assume they’ve got great chances because they’re international. Not so. You need great stats. being foreing won’t get you in. Yes, Columbia and Stanford like diversity, but not at the cost of quality. If you don’t need financial aid, that’s a plus, but it won’t get you in</p>
<p>Also, one can’t give you an opinion unless you post your stats. Look at some of the other chance threads.</p>
<p>Do well on the SAT’s, write your essays well.</p>
<p>In October, the campus is usually just starting to get cold for the winter…but it’s nice, October-September were my favourite times of the year :)</p>
<p>“If its too far, then how much should I budget for an apartment or condo in a good neighborhood in the UWS or UES that’s close to Columbia?
University housing is not an option because of personal reasons.”</p>
<p>probably like $24,000 per year if you want a ‘good’ neighbourhood. That’s for a studio or a one bedroom</p>
<p>right. or you could pay $7,000 for the year and live with your friends and classmates in what is pretty good college housing by american college standards.</p>
<p>If you stay in the Beekman area, you would be a “commuter”, which is fine, but you might feel removed from campus life. Dorms are the best situation for Freshmen to feel a part of the campus community. Coming from another country - there is a lot of support on campus. </p>
<p>However, if you decide to stay with your uncle… do not bring a car. Manhattan is very congested, it is extremely hard to drive and navigate with all of the random “no turn” laws, etc, and parking is next to impossible (unless you park in a parking garage which is a fortune). I usually use mass transportation to go to Columbia, even though I have access to a car service (due to time issues). You can try the commute when you visit. Four miles is a lot by Manhattan standards. *Disclaimer - Check my instructions with Columbia before you try it though! I’m an adult, not a student, but I have to be on campus frequently. </p>
<p>From the Beekman area, you can take a bus or a subway. </p>
<p>Bus - You can pick up the M4 bus on 52nd & Lexington (a short walk for you) and it will take you to Broadway & 116th Street. That will be about a one-hour+ ride depending on traffic. </p>
<p>Subway
Take the “E” train from Lexington Av & 53 St station heading Downtown. Get off at 42nd Street - Times Square.<br>
-take the “#1” train from 42 Street - Times Square station heading Uptown. Get off at “116 Street & Broadway”.</p>
<p>**Edit- the commute sounds onerous, but it really isn’t once you get used to it.</p>