Is Columbia right for me?

rapmasternickyz
Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:58:38 +0000

Hey guys,

I really need some help here. I’m a high school senior, and I was lucky enough to be accepted to Penn, Cornell, Duke, and Columbia. After a lot of deliberation, I have narrowed my options down to Columbia and Duke. I will be visiting Duke next week, but I will not be able to visit Columbia before I make my decision. I suppose posting this question on the Columbia section might make my results a bit biased, but I have seen some pretty objective advice given on this forum in the past. For a little background, I plan on majoring in statistics/economics (either/or, perhaps a double major). Here are some of my thoughts:


From some of the people at Columbia I’ve spoken with, I’ve heard that there is a shortage of school spirit - at least when it comes to athletics. I wouldn’t base an entire decision on this, but I really love the energy coming from Duke. It seems to match my personality a little more.
Although Duke is a fantastic school, I’m not sure that it wouldn’t be considered a downgrade - however slight - from Columbia in terms of academics. I may be completely wrong on this, and that is where I would like the most feedback to this post. I am primarily concerned about post-graduate connections and the job market… does the Ivy League grant one a significant advantage in that department? I would feel a bit petty making my decision over a name brand, but if that is reality than I may have to accept it.
Location-wise, I think either would be really exciting. I think I would love NYC, but I don’t know if that outweighs thought #1.
I feel like I would fit in better with the community at Duke. Again, that is based purely on my perception. I’m sure I will know more after my visit next week.


Any feedback or help would be much appreciated. I am absolutely torn over this decision. If I missed anything of great importance, let me know.

Thanks!