<p>I’ve posted about this before but, between Cornell and Columbia it’s rather inefficient to skew your decisions to academic standards/quality. Both institutions have phenomenal education.</p>
<p>So your decision should be based more on how you, personally, can adapt and perform better // take more advantage of what these great schools can provide for you.</p>
<p>I preferred Cornell because, although I love to visit the city to hang out, chill, have some alone time, or just to explore, I prefer taking residency in a quieter area - somewhere I can focus better in, experience more spiritual aspects of myself.</p>
<p>For social life… you will meet great people whichever place you decide to go to. Many friends will be from cities like you.</p>
<p>Make sure you visit both and then decide. Or I guess for you, it’s to visit Cornell before deciding since you’ve been near Columbia for a long time anyway. Good lucks!</p>