Jina (Sep 6, 2006 7:01:49 PM)

Good evening everyone. Thank you for joining the QuestBridge College Chat. My name is Jina and I will be your moderator. Tonight, we have Elizabeth Pili, Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and Director of Multicultural Recruitment at Columbia University.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:04:40 PM)

Hello all: Welcome to the Columbia chat!

irfan (Sep 6, 2006 7:07:25 PM)

How is your pre-medicine program?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:07:26 PM)

Hi Irfan: Our pre-med program is part of the general liberal arts curriculum. One can concentrate as a pre-med student, which essentially means you have a minor in pre-med. You will also work with a pre-med advisor who would help you secure internships and research opportunities. Of the students that are admitted to medical school, 80% get into their top 2 choices.

nnelson (Sep 6, 2006 7:08:49 PM)

What is the minimum accepted ACT score for new undergraduate students?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:08:49 PM)

Ahh...testing. Testing is one credential we consider and not the be all and end all of the application. We have no minimums or cut offs for our testing. In addition to your testing, we are also looking at your classroom exp and what you do outside of school

Ellington (Sep 6, 2006 7:09:42 PM)

How important are perfect test scores to admissions officers at Columbia?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:09:42 PM)

Very few get a perfect score! Our process looks more at the person and the student. We take the tests seriously but it's not everything.

Liz (Sep 6, 2006 7:10:51 PM)

Good evening! Is there a disadvantage to declaring an undecided major, if you have a really general idea as to what you are interested in?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:10:52 PM)

good question....most colleges do not hold you to your anticipated major, especially, if you are applying to a liberal arts school. My advice to list your interests no matter what they may be...it gives the admissions officer a sense of your academic interests.

Lola (Sep 6, 2006 7:12:17 PM)

When admissions officers are first considering applicants, what specifically do they look at?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:12:17 PM)

Well....let's see. We actually look at everything. Now this may differ from school to school, but at columbia, we consider the whole person. From the books you enjoyed reading in high school to the classes you take, we consider it all.

tammy (Sep 6, 2006 7:13:09 PM)

I am a senior and certain sciences I'd like to take don't fit into my schedule from my school; will not having 4 years of Science hurt my chances at Columbia?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:13:09 PM)

Hi Tammy- a general rule of thumb is to have 3-4 years of math and science. If it doesn't fit in your schedule

danpark (Sep 6, 2006 7:14:05 PM)

What are the most popular majors at Columbia?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:14:05 PM)

The most popular majors in Columbia college are economics, biology, history, and psychology. In engineering, it's operations research, civil engineering, and biomedical engineering

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:15:37 PM)

Great question.. I would describe our campus life as active. About 95% of our students live on-campus and housing is guaranteed for all 4 years. To have the opportunity to live on-campus allows are students to jump into so many different groups.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:16:49 PM)

What I love most about campus life is that one social scene does not dominate our student experience. it varies for each student. Strong communities are still formed b/c student may part of a number of different groups.

irfan (Sep 6, 2006 7:18:20 PM)

What is the religious diversity at your school?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:18:21 PM)

It's pretty much across the board. We're a pretty open community with resources to accommodate all. Earl Hall serves as our center of religious life on-campus. Our location also allows us to draw from many religious backgrounds as well.

mohammedm (Sep 6, 2006 7:19:00 PM)

Do you have a preference between SAT and ACT?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:19:00 PM)

Not at all! If you've taken both exams, we will compare them and use the highest score.

LuLy (Sep 6, 2006 7:20:29 PM)

What does your CORE curriculum consist of?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:20:29 PM)

Great question. For anyone that is seriously considering Columbia, I highly recommend that they look at our Core. The core classes include a series of 4 courses that are seminar style.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:22:21 PM)

More on the core....all students take the core classes and overall it's an experience where students are in seminars and learn to question scholarly text. we also use NYC as the extended classroom. It’s also links our students b/c everyone needs to take the same 4 classes.

Liz (Sep 6, 2006 7:23:38 PM)

what is the difference between applying to Columbia college and the school of general studies?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:23:38 PM)

General studies is a program designed for students who have taken more than year off between high school and college. Columbia College is the full-time residential program.

Carlton (Sep 6, 2006 7:25:38 PM)

Columbia seems to be one of the most attractive of the partner colleges but at the same time the most intimidating, especially for rural kids like me. What can you say about the NYC experience? Is it really as expensive and scary as it seems it would be?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:25:38 PM)

I'm biased since I grew up in Brooklyn! City living is different from other experiences but since Columbia is fully residential, you feel very much a part of a community. we also have a number of sponsored programs for students who are new to the city. only 20% of our class is from an urban environment so may are adjusting to city living.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:26:42 PM)

Our neighborhood of Morningside heights is also residential-75% of Columbia staff live in the neighborhood so you will see us in a local cafe or walking our dog. If you ever have the chance to visit, I would highly recommend it.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:28:03 PM)

Research at CU is quite popular. As an upperclassman, it's quite easy. As a freshman, about 30% of students secure research jobs. The majority of jobs are on-campus or through professors.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:29:16 PM)

Applicants will either apply to Columbia College or Fu Foundation School of Engineering. We admit you to either school and then you select your major or program.

nnelson (Sep 6, 2006 7:30:33 PM)

What kind of financial aid does Columbia offer for students with very low family income?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:30:34 PM)

We offer need based financial aid and meet the family's need 100%

nnelson (Sep 6, 2006 7:30:53 PM)

What kind of financial aid does Columbia offer for students with very low family income?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:30:53 PM)

65% of our students are on financial aid

Wanda (Sep 6, 2006 7:31:52 PM)

Hi! I was wondering if you take into consideration the demographic background of a student before making a final decision. In a obscure area such as my town, there are fewer opportunities to excel in areas such as AP classes. If I take the most rigorous courses offered at my school, will I still stand out in a large pool of applicants?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:31:52 PM)

Great question....the personal part of the application is crucial. We look at your family background, your interests, and your community.

ResoluteTwo (Sep 6, 2006 7:33:21 PM)

Is it possible for a person to get into Columbia without having taken any APs?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:33:22 PM)

It is possible...generally speaking, we expect our applicants to take the most challenging courses available.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:34:51 PM)

It’s pretty safe. Our students feel very comfortable in our neighborhood. We’re the 3rd safest precinct in NYC and we're proud of that statistic b/c it shows that people watch out for each other here. In terms of services, 3 security forces supervce over Columbia-NYPD, Columbia, and our neighborhood security patrol

edjukatedp (Sep 6, 2006 7:35:46 PM)

What’s the ethnic breakdown of the student body at Columbia?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:35:46 PM)

We’re currently at 43% students of color, 15% of the freshman class are the first in their family to attend college. Over 39 countries are represented and all 50 states.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:38:23 PM)

No! The university sponsors a number of free programs for students to take advantage of NYC. For example, your Columbia ID gets you into every museum in NYC for free. Students need to budget and we help with you that.

xuan (Sep 6, 2006 7:38:48 PM)

Are science courses at universities favored over AP sciences?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:38:48 PM)

Not at all! It all depends on what is available to you.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:39:39 PM)

Unfortunately, QuestBridge students will also need to submit the Columbia application. We cannot take the Quest app in lieu of the Columbia application

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:40:05 PM)

Definitely! For every college you apply, you should list that you are a QuestBridge Scholar.

danny (Sep 6, 2006 7:40:35 PM)

What would be one of the biggest changes and differences that one would experience if they came from the west coast?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:40:35 PM)

You'll have a lot of company...California is our 3rd largest feeder state. :-)

danny (Sep 6, 2006 7:41:38 PM)

What would be one of the biggest changes and differences that one would experience if they came from the west coast?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:41:38 PM)

I think that the adjustment to the weather changes is the most obvious. Another major change is that NYC is a walking city and you can get everywhere by subway for only $2.

Rose (Sep 6, 2006 7:42:49 PM)

If we are interested in business, are we able to get internships as undergrads since NYC is a great place for business careers?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:42:49 PM)

Although we don't offer a business major, 40% of seniors go on to work in the corporate world. Our location allows having access to many internships and very often companies will come to campus to recruit our students

xuan (Sep 6, 2006 7:43:39 PM)

Can we send science research papers as supplemental materials?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:43:39 PM)

Well...we don't the entire paper. An abstract or summary of the paper would be more appropriate and make sure to include the information on your resume.

Rose (Sep 6, 2006 7:44:02 PM)

For financial aid, does Columbia use the Institutional Methodology or the Federal one in calculating need?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:44:02 PM)

We use both...we take both into consideration.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:44:35 PM)

It would depend. Until we see the paperwork, it's hard to determine such details.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:46:24 PM)

Not at Columbia! Our undergraduate population is only 5200 students and only 10% of our classes are taught by preceptors or upper level PhD students. All faculties have office hours. Our faculty come to Columbia because they want to teach undergraduates. 70% of our classes are less than 25 students so interaction with professors is just part of the culture

Susie (Sep 6, 2006 7:47:44 PM)

What are the most common topics that applicants write about for the admission essays? Are there any topics that admissions have read too much of or gotten sick of and therefore should be avoided?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:47:44 PM)

Great question. The goal of the personal statement is to share something about you. Admissions officers want to learn about you. I always advise students to write about what's important to them and to be comfortable with the information you are sharing.

danny (Sep 6, 2006 7:48:48 PM)

If one were to take the most challenging courses offered at his/her school but the school didn’t offer much rigorous courses, would Columbia put that into consideration?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:48:48 PM)

Of course! Context is crucial and we know that not every student has access to the same resources. If you are challenging yourself within your environment, we will recognize that.

Ellington (Sep 6, 2006 7:49:05 PM)

Are late night escorts available on campus? How late are they available?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:49:05 PM)

Absolutely! 24 hours a day. We also have a shuttle.

Liz (Sep 6, 2006 7:50:06 PM)

What resources are available to students such as tutoring, teachers, books etc?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:50:06 PM)

Each student is assigned a class dean and has multiple resources available as well from tutors to student groups.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:51:18 PM)

This is hard to pin point b/c we would need to see the documentation. Our website is pretty informative-www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/finaid

Vegas (Sep 6, 2006 7:51:56 PM)

How long does it typically take to obtain a BA and then master's degree from Columbia?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:51:56 PM)

That would all depend on what you are studying...90% of our students graduate in 4 years and 30% of seniors go straight to graduate school.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:53:33 PM)

for students who would like to study aboard , it's a very fulfilling exp. most of our students go abroad on a Columbia approved program so coursework transfers back. it's also something we consider when reading your applications.

kevincuevas (Sep 6, 2006 7:54:59 PM)

For the UC system, financial packages are not known or the information is not released until months after a student has committed to a university, would Columbia fall under the same situation? If not, when is information about financial aid released to a committed student?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:54:59 PM)

Our system does not work like that. All students should submit financial aid forms by March 1st of their senior year. if you were admitted under regular decision and submitted your fin aid forms in time, we would notify you at the same time you received your admissions acceptance.

Vegas (Sep 6, 2006 7:56:06 PM)

Does Columbia overwhelm students with work or do they have time for part time jobs, clubs, and/or sports? For example, what is the typical time a class requires in outside work?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:56:06 PM)

Most students find time to go to class, work, and join groups. Time management is a key lesson when you enter college. Many students also know that there is support here if you ever feel overwhelmed.

Ellington (Sep 6, 2006 7:56:37 PM)

I am definitely interested in spending my junior year abroad. Does a scholarship fund through Columbia exist to help cover the costs?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:56:37 PM)

if you eligible for financial aid, your aid "travels" with you when you study abroad.

danpark (Sep 6, 2006 7:58:21 PM)

Is there any way we can reach you if we have any further questions?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:58:21 PM)

Yes, students should email mrc@columbia.edu and please research our website. we are traveling throughout the world this fall and we may be hosting a reception in your hometown.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:58:51 PM)

For all financial aid question, please refer to www.studentaffairs.columbia.edu/finaid.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 7:59:15 PM)

It provides answers to many of the financial aid questions you all have.

irfan (Sep 6, 2006 8:00:36 PM)

Are there any moral or ethic problems that have arisen from dorming? Is there separate male and female dormitory buildings?

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 8:00:36 PM)

Our students really like living on-campus. We have 19 residence halls and they're each different. If you'd like an all male hall, we have that available but we also have apartment style living where men and women can live together.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 8:01:39 PM)

There is no requirement and it all depends on what your school offers. generally, most take at least 2-3 years.

Columbia (Sep 6, 2006 8:03:13 PM)

Our theatre and dance program prepare you for a professional career and teach at the level of other conservatories. What makes us different from a conservatory is that our students can branch out and take a broader scope of classes.

Jina (Sep 6, 2006 8:03:15 PM)

I believe that’s all the time we have for today. Thank you for joining us, and special thanks to Elizabeth Pili from Columbia.