@theloniusmonk Thanks, I’m thinking of double majoring in English/journalism and science/economics one of those mixes idk yet
In that case, go with Columbia, it has the best econ program of the three.
If you’re thinking of double majoring (which I think is a bad idea in general - one good solid major is all you need and you can take free electives in what interests you) but if you are, go with Brown over Columbia (open curriculum vs. core0.
“I really like colleges that give off the quintessential college vibe with gothic architecture and pretty campuses, I want the school to have a really good sense of community and a social scene.”
Given the above, I would say Brown and Dartmouth are probably the best fit for you. I actually go to Dartmouth, so I can speak from that perspective. We definitely have a beautiful campus and the strongest sense of community (at least judging my own experience and that of friends and family) in the ivy league, largely due to our undergraduate focus and rich traditions.
Not to mention our social scene is pretty cool too. And contrary to the Animal House-perpetuated rumour, our social scene is not controlled by the frats.
Coaches to Boston run every day, so you can always access the city when you need to, but it is a campus. This is the quintessential college vibe.
Also, I noticed other commenters misrepresenting my college. As an asian (Indian) with a diverse friend group, I assure you the college is neither homogenous nor polarized. We are not even 50% white (https://www.collegefactual.com/colleges/dartmouth-college/student-life/diversity/).
Every social space and activity is pretty diverse in terms of students involved. Even the greek societies, because they mostly allow everyone into events (unlike most schools), are very inclusive and diverse. This affects the culture, meaning greek life at Dartmouth is more diverse than anywhere else really. There are some where people just play board games and hold milk and cookie nights, some really interested in social justice, and some which are more traditional in terms of party culture.
Going back to the undergrad focus, it is important to note that among your ivy league choices, Cornell, Columbia and Penn have significantly larger populations of postgrad students relative to undergrads. This means you’ll have TAs teaching courses and larger classes far more frequently, especially in your first couple of years.
In Dartmouth and Brown, it is the opposite. For Dartmouth, only first year calculus has a section or two taught by TAs. The rest are all taught by professors. And even from the first year onwards most of your courses will be small classes with great personal engagement and conversation with your professors and your peers.
Don’t get me wrong, you can still get this at the other ivies but to a lesser degree. For Dartmouth, at least, you will have this kind of engagement for almost all your courses. Furthermore, Dartmouth also has a more collaborative, relaxed culture (among students) than the other ivies, some of which, like a Columbia offer a more cutthroat competitive environment.
Hope I helped, and feel free to message me if you have any questions about Dartmouth. I strongly recommend taking another look.
P.S. Also, to fit multiple interests, we have this thing called the modified major. Not sure if other schools have it, but here is the description from our website: A modified major combines work in two subjects with emphasis on one—such as “economics modified with history”—to create a unified, coherent program of study.
This means you can fit both of your interests into your major without having to take all the courses needed to major in both. This may be of use to you.
Tough call. On the one hand people who afifrmatively want the core should generally choose Columbia. On the other hand Columbia does not have the atmosphere you want and is less socially cohesive.
Dartmouth is likely the most cohesive socially of your main choices, but you haven’t been there or done an overnight to help you judge how well you fit there.
I personally do not find Brown all that stunning, but it might be a good choice for you.
My alma mater Cornell also has a strong English program, and a great campus, but it is very large (as is Penn, but Penn has proportionally more grad students).
The good news is you have great choices, this is a good problem to have.
@RelicAndType Why do you think it’s a bad idea? Thanks btw
- Restricts your freedom to choose classes
- More annoying prereqs
- Hard on your GPA
- Everyone on here seems to say they'll double major, but few seniors graduate as double majors. You're likely to drop one anyways, statistically, so why not make a realistic plan now?
One good solid major is all I personally think is necessary. You can do a lot with a minor or strategically chosen electives.
@biearbe or you can do a modified major. As I mentioned before, it allows you to effectively major in two disciplines but with more of a focus on one. But you’ll get both fields of study in your major. I know Dartmouth, at least, has that option.
I have opinions. First, eliminate Dartmouth (as a poster above advised too ).
Second, thoroughly and exhaustively research the course requirements. As you know, Brown, on one end of the spectrum, has an open curriculum. Columbia, on the opposite end of the spectrum, has the Core Curriculum. Cornell has distribution requirements, and Penn has the General Education Curriculum. STUDY what this means at each college. Seriously. Take half a day and make a spreadsheet.
Third, journalism. Hands down, Cornell. The Cornell Daily Sun and The Daily Pennsylvanian are among the top 10 student-run newspapers in the country.
My opinion: Choose Penn or Cornell.
please let us know what you decide
Not at all. Clark realized the OP was using it as a safety and rejected him.
[quote=“monydad, post:26, topic:2089777”]
I committed to Columbia, my parents wouldn’t let me go to Penn or anywhere else. @monydad @Morningsider @brantly @theloniusmonk @RelicAndType @Gogreen19 @Publisher @circuitrider @Mwfan1921
Note: @TomSrOfBoston I’m a girl btw
You’ll be fine. FWIW, my youger sister went to Barnard when that was the only pathway for women to a Columbia degree. She loved it and it has been a handy resource for the past fifty years.
best of luck !