Columbia University
Columbia College Visit
Date: September 19, 2025
Location: New York, NY
Photo: J. Leppla
1. First Impressions & Vibe
Columbia’s campus anchors Morningside Heights, a vibrant neighborhood on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. College Walk leads from leafy courtyards to the city’s energy, mixing historic architecture with a global feel.
Students from every state are represented, and the pace is fast, diverse, and deeply connected to New York.
2. Ask a Student (Real Talk)
Students often describe Columbia as rigorous and opportunity-rich, but also collaborative. The 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio keeps classes personal, with most taught by professors, rather than TAs. Advising is extensive, with general advisors at the start, as well as specific guidance for each major and pre-professional track.
One student highlighted the “engineering for humanity” framework, while others value the Core Curriculum’s shared foundation. Transfer students receive their own orientation, ensuring smooth entry into campus life.
3. Uniquely Interesting
The Core Curriculum is Columbia’s hallmark, representing one-third of coursework and refreshed every two years. Another third is devoted to a major, with the final third open to minors, double majors, or electives.
Columbia has quirky traditions too: students must pass a swim test, a requirement rooted in early defense concerns. Engineers are exempt, after arguing they could build boat or rafts to escape an invasion. Research is also central: every faculty member reserves a spot for undergraduates in their lab. Notably, Hillary Clinton teaches a course here, drawing a huge waitlist.
Students also enjoy perks like a free evening shuttle service, NYC student discounts for shows, and proximity to Central Park and Broadway.
4. Spaces You’d Love
The Low Library steps remain Columbia’s iconic gathering place, while Butler Library is a study hub.
A four-story, partially underground fitness center offers recreation, and housing ranges from singles to doubles and suite-style living, but no triples.
The Manhattan campus and the Jerome Greene Science Center highlight Columbia’s expanding reach in science and innovation.
5. Who Might Thrive Here?
Columbia is ideal for ambitious, curious students who want both rigorous academics and access to a world-class city. Learners who thrive in fast-paced, collaborative, and discussion-based environments should feel at home.
Engineers enjoy a balanced 50/50 gender ratio and a collaborative culture. With no Friday classes, many students take advantage of internships during the school year, blending academics with real-world experience.
Other Columbia Notes
Academic Highlights
Major is declared in the second year (sophomore year).
Pre-law and pre-med pathways can be started in the first year.
History of Public Health is a distinctive path some students pursue.
Research & Global Learning
Opportunities to engage with the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (Medicine, Dentistry, Public Health) for cross-campus research and mentoring.
Manhattanville research hubs (e.g., Jerome Greene Science Center) create additional undergraduate research touchpoints.
Career & Graduate Information
Lifetime access to career counseling.
A Columbia-only job network for students and alumni.
Permanent alumni library access.
Graduate and professional programs at the medical campus expand advising and networking links.
Admissions & Financial Aid
Highly selective, test-optional
Holistic application review
Need blind
Campus Life & Community
Division I Ivy League athletics.
500+ clubs and organizations.
Follow on Social
Please see videos of Higher Ed Advice’s Columbia visit on:
Instagram (highered_advice)
Facebook (Higher Ed Advice)
TikTok (@higheredadvice)
