Columbia University in the City of New York

I could not imagine living or learning at any other university for my undergraduate years. Columbia's sink-or-swim reputation is well-founded; you get what you put into the classes (you won't learn anything extraordinary unless you put effort into doing the coursework and interacting with professors and TA's), and you have to seek out the extracurricular activities and positions and academic programs that interest you. If you are a go-getter, you won't be disappointed; the University has unlimited resources for you to take advantage of. The faculty is extremely accessible, the class sizes are reasonable, and there are many research opportunities to take advantage of if you look hard enough. The student body (in my experience) has been enthusiastic, friendly, brilliant, and full of school spirit (if not in terms of athletics, then just in general). The environment is not very intimidating, as many students don't discuss grades and aren't that competitive about them (you know, the "what did you get? I got higher" kind of thing that can be irritating). On the downside, the University can be bureaucratic, and getting financial aid is tough. Just remember to be a go-getter.

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Scholastic Success: B+