2012-2013 Columbia University Application Thread

[ChaoticTheory]

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Hey mmmcdowe,
Do you know when the last interview day is this year and/or if they have given out all of the IIs for this cycle?? Thanks!!

 

[Dick Jones]

hey mmmcdowe,
do you know when the last interview day is this year and/or if they have given out all of the iis for this cycle?? Thanks!!

+1

 

[amaranth]

I know that updates should be uploaded to the website for P and S, but I had a sudden paranoia strike me and now I'm wondering if this is also true for Columbia-Bassett applicants or are we supposed to send a copy to the Bassett program separately?

I always get so confused as to which dean to write to since there are technically 3 of them for Columbia-Bassett.

 

[mmmcdowe]

Hey mmmcdowe,
Do you know when the last interview day is this year and/or if they have given out all of the IIs for this cycle?? Thanks!!

I don't know the last day but applications are still open and Columbia has offered interviews past valentines day in the past, even if it was on an individual basis rather than a full interview day.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I know that updates should be uploaded to the website for P and S, but I had a sudden paranoia strike me and now I'm wondering if this is also true for Columbia-Bassett applicants or are we supposed to send a copy to the Bassett program separately?

I always get so confused as to which dean to write to since there are technically 3 of them for Columbia-Bassett.

Bassett and Columbia central do things separately for the most part, I would check to be sure that they don't want a separate copy.

 

[marele86]

I know that updates should be uploaded to the website for P and S, but I had a sudden paranoia strike me and now I'm wondering if this is also true for Columbia-Bassett applicants or are we supposed to send a copy to the Bassett program separately?

I always get so confused as to which dean to write to since there are technically 3 of them for Columbia-Bassett.

Hey, current Bassett student checking in.

I'd definitely recommend that you send a separate copy to the Bassett deans. You can send it to the program secretary - she'll make sure it gets to both of them and that a copy goes in your file as well. (Info is shared between the main program and Bassett - but Bassett does make rolling admissions decisions, so always better to avoid any communication lag.)

 

[Anonymous1604]

Does anyone know how to send in a new LOR as an update? I think someone may have said to have the recommender send the letter in directly to the admissions office...but do we also have to get a copy to load it up to the application portal as well?

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Why is it that the Bassett program is handled completely separately? Doesn't that make it a hassle for both?

 

[OwlPower22]

Does anyone know how to send in a new LOR as an update? I think someone may have said to have the recommender send the letter in directly to the admissions office...but do we also have to get a copy to load it up to the application portal as well?

[email protected]

 

[DAS9052]

Do most people take cabs from LGA to Columbia? How much do they run for?

 

[MxSebas]

Do most people take cabs from LGA to Columbia? How much do they run for?

I don't know about most people, but I took a cab back to LGA after the interview. around $45

 

[amaranth]

There's also a bus that goes straight there from the Columbia undergrad campus which is about 3 stops on the subway(can't remember exactly) from the medical campus. If you ask the Columbia staff they can help you with that. Express buses are generally around 5 bucks (but buses don't take bills so you'll need change or buy a metrocard ahead of time). I didn't take it personally but I helped someone in my interview group take the subway there.

 

[Sophocles]

There's also a bus that goes straight there from the Columbia undergrad campus which is about 3 stops on the subway(can't remember exactly) from the medical campus. If you ask the Columbia staff they can help you with that. Express buses are generally around 5 bucks (but buses don't take bills so you'll need change or buy a metrocard ahead of time). I didn't take it personally but I helped someone in my interview group take the subway there.

The M60 will take you to 116/Broadway where you can catch the train (as a transfer) and get off at 168. You can use change on the M60 and this would be the most inexpensive route to take. It might take a little bit ~45-60 min but it's probably the best way to go.

 

[thecurtainwith]

will columbia email you an ii or do you have to keep checking the status tab of the secondary?

 

[FijiGNR89]

Email

 

[081479058]

will columbia email you an ii or do you have to keep checking the status tab of the secondary?

I didn't get an email though and only noticed my II because I happened to check the secondary portal, so it might be a good idea to check occasionally. Nobody else that I've seen on this thread didn't get an email notice though.

 

[SoVein]

I heart Columbia (this is a reach school for me personally). I havent heard from them at all one way or another--such teases.

 

[blegrand5]

Got the personal letter from Dr. Nicholas. It was very nicely written he mentioned a specific aspect of my application, stated my interviewer really enjoyed my interview and that I would really like it at columbia. Hope this isnt just a tease!

 

[Moldycheese432]

Got the personal letter from Dr. Nicholas. It was very nicely written he mentioned a specific aspect of my application, stated my interviewer really enjoyed my interview and that I would really like it at columbia. Hope this isnt just a tease!

same. Don't think it means anything but maybe its just the pessimist in me talking

 

[Narie]

Got the personal letter from Dr. Nicholas. It was very nicely written he mentioned a specific aspect of my application, stated my interviewer really enjoyed my interview and that I would really like it at columbia. Hope this isnt just a tease!

right now, I'm just thinking to myself that I'm going to be heading to my current top accepted school, which I'm really grateful for. Columbia, I love you, but I can't get my hopes up!!...You're like the prettiest girl at the dance. 🙁

 

[0953920]

How much merit is there to these personalized letters? Has anyone touched base with previous P&S students?

 

[OwlPower22]

+1. And I didn't even get the nice personalized letter!!

I didn't either, but whatever. No point in getting neurotic over a pipe dream acceptance. *shrug*

 

[Narie]

How much merit is there to these personalized letters? Has anyone touched base with previous P&S students?

When I interviewed, a student told me that some get the note, some don't, and even he had no idea what they could mean, if they mean anything at all. :-/ He believed it had little to no bearing on who gets accepted. So, don't worry much!

 

[mmmcdowe]

How much merit is there to these personalized letters? Has anyone touched base with previous P&S students?

You shouldn't place much weight on the letters pre-decision. Waitlist decision letters that are personalized are fairly valuable, but it is important to realize that no letter other than an acceptance letter guarantees acceptance. Also realize that many of the letters that he sends are in response to you submitting an update at some point in the cycle.

 

[obviouslyteal]

Just wrote in my update letter to Dr. Nicholas and the adcom... hope it helps me a little come decision time! Kind of scary that all I can do now is wait, wait, wait.

Here's to next month, guys!

 

[FijiGNR89]

Just wrote in my update letter to Dr. Nicholas and the adcom... hope it helps me a little come decision time! Kind of scary that all I can do now is wait, wait, wait.

Here's to next month, guys!

No kidding. The wait for March is killing me.

 

[Frisbeegirl91]

Does anyone know how to send in a new LOR as an update? I think someone may have said to have the recommender send the letter in directly to the admissions office...but do we also have to get a copy to load it up to the application portal as well?

I called the admissions office and they told me to have your letter writer send the letter to: [email protected]. They will then receive a confirmation e-mail saying that the letter will be uploaded to your file. Good luck!

 

[BeHappy2013]

Anyone know when in March the decisions are going out?

 

[smallone]

Anyone know when in March the decisions are going out?

March 1st.

 

[FloridaMedicine]

March 1st.

lol i feel the same way

 

[YankeeLion16]

March 1st.

How do you know its March 1? I thought it was "early March." Either way, I'm excited more than anything!

 

[Narie]

To mmmcdowe or anyone else who might have an opinion about this:

I've been working in a research lab at Pomona College for the past year. My supervisor knows me very well at this point, and I'm certain he could write me a great recommendation. Do you think it's wise around this time to send in an update with his recommendation, seeing as I sent an update Jan 6, and first round decisions will be made soon? I suspect they'll begin deliberating near the end of February, so do you think this would be a good time? Or, should I wait to see if I am waitlisted, and send it around then? When do you think this letter would be most useful and helpful for me? Thanks a lot.

 

[hawksfan1]

Anyone know if Columbia has finished sending out interview invites?

#GoHawks

 

[RogueUnicorn]

To mmmcdowe or anyone else who might have an opinion about this:

I've been working in a research lab at Pomona College for the past year. My supervisor knows me very well at this point, and I'm certain he could write me a great recommendation. Do you think it's wise around this time to send in an update with his recommendation, seeing as I sent an update Jan 6, and first round decisions will be made soon? I suspect they'll begin deliberating near the end of February, so do you think this would be a good time? Or, should I wait to see if I am waitlisted, and send it around then? When do you think this letter would be most useful and helpful for me? Thanks a lot.

do what you think feels right. there's no obvious harm in it but i'm curious why you're already hedging your bets

 

[FijiGNR89]

I would send it in now. Why not have an additional professional recommending you to the committee before they make a decision? Absolutely get that in before the adcom meets. It will only help you. What you should do after their decision, in the event that you get waitlisted (which you have no reason to assume!), is send in a letter detailing your love for them if that is the case.

 

[Narie]

do what you think feels right. there's no obvious harm in it but i'm curious why you're already hedging your bets

Well, I suppose that sometimes, if the committee feels they may have everything they need, an extra letter looks like exactly that; extra, an elaboration, or at worst, excessive. So, I just kind of want to get an idea of what others think before I do this to get a sense of whether it may read that way, as I already have what are in my opinion very strong academic and character references...and if I am waitlisted, maybe this "extra" letter would work more towards my favor later on? But I am now more in agreement with FijiGNR that another strong reference about my work experience, something about occupational work, might be helpful as well.

Thanks a lot for your considerate opinions!

 

[Narie]

I would send it in now. Why not have an additional professional recommending you to the committee before they make a decision? Absolutely get that in before the adcom meets. It will only help you. What you should do after their decision, in the event that you get waitlisted (which you have no reason to assume!), is send in a letter detailing your love for them if that is the case.

And thanks, FijiGNR89, you make good points that I've been meandering over, myself...

Good luck all!

 

[wlast]

So many people tell me that students are absolutely miserable at Columbia--more stress, more commitments, etc. Yet I somehow ended up with the very strong impression that students are much happier at Columbia than Cornell on my interviews. Current med students please comment?

 

[Donald Blake MD]

I heard students are happier at Einstein 🙂

 

[Sophocles]

So many people tell me that students are absolutely miserable at Columbia--more stress, more commitments, etc. Yet I somehow ended up with the very strong impression that students are much happier at Columbia than Cornell on my interviews. Current med students please comment?

Def. not a med student but I wanted to write something because I feel really strongly about this. I've been to Einstein and Cornell and I can say, from my limited exposure, that the students are by far happier at Columbia. Our undergrad has a really good relationship with Columbia's med students and we have had several programs where we have been able to interact with them, and the number one thing that has attracted me to Columbia is how happy their students are. It's really ridiculous how incredibly happy they are.

 

[OwlPower22]

Def. not a med student but I wanted to write something because I feel really strongly about this. I've been to Einstein and Cornell and I can say, from my limited exposure, that the students are by far happier at Columbia. Our undergrad has a really good relationship with Columbia's med students and we have had several programs where we have been able to interact with them, and the number one thing that has attracted me to Columbia is how happy their students are. It's really ridiculous how incredibly happy they are.

What's up, fellow Columbian? My P&S friends are having a blast, so I'm glad I have someone who's vouching for this school. The negativity probably stems from talking to people in their rotation year. We all know it's a miserable time.

 

[aqn107]

Does anyone know if Columbia-Bassett is still interviewing/sending interview invites?

 

[Sophocles]

What's up, fellow Columbian? My P&S friends are having a blast, so I'm glad I have someone who's vouching for this school. The negativity probably stems from talking to people in their rotation year. We all know it's a miserable time.

Hey buddy, hope your application cycle has been going well.

I'm sure you have undergrad friends here and the P/S students are starting a mentoring program with the undergrads-spread the word to those who are interested.

 

[DrDomo]

I heard students are happier at Einstein 🙂

Hey bud. Do you remember me from the Johns Hopkins Specific thread? Congrats on the acceptance, I got the call as well last week! Good for both of us! However, I don't think you should go around posting negative remarks on other schools threads like this...it makes me feel that you have some personal beef with Columbia. It's the only other school that I'd go to over Hopkins and I seriously doubt that Hopkins students are happier than Columbia students, just sayin. Anyway, take it easy and I'll maybe see you this fall bro!

 

[deleted127837]

Hey bud. Do you remember me from the Johns Hopkins Specific thread? Congrats on the acceptance, I got the call as well last week! Good for both of us! However, I don't think you should go around posting negative remarks on other schools threads like this...it makes me feel that you have some personal beef with Columbia. It's the only other school that I'd go to over Hopkins and I seriously doubt that Hopkins students are happier than Columbia students, just sayin. Anyway, take it easy and I'll maybe see you this fall bro!

All opinions are relevant - please don't discourage other people from posting their opinions because it makes you uncomfortable about choosing one school over another.

It would be useful, of course, to hear why you would rather go to Columbia over JHU. As the rankings (which a lot of people put too much credence in) favor JHU, your reasoning behind Columbia could be useful for others in the same position.

 

[Donald Blake MD]

I apologize, I have no beef with Columbia. I wasn't even offered an interview 🙁 . And congrats!!!! I was hoping you would get good news from Hopkins!!! And now, hoping you get good news from Columbia!!!

 

[stevecoral155]

All opinions are relevant - please don't discourage other people from posting their opinions because it makes you uncomfortable about choosing one school over another.

It would be useful, of course, to hear why you would rather go to Columbia over JHU. As the rankings (which a lot of people put too much credence in) favor JHU, your reasoning behind Columbia could be useful for others in the same position.

This is entirely too rational. Take it down a notch bear

 

[Sophocles]

All opinions are relevant - please don't discourage other people from posting their opinions because it makes you uncomfortable about choosing one school over another.

It would be useful, of course, to hear why you would rather go to Columbia over JHU. As the rankings (which a lot of people put too much credence in) favor JHU, your reasoning behind Columbia could be useful for others in the same position.

I disagree. I believe that there is a distinction between someone with constructive criticism and someone who is putting down a school (not implying that this was happening). Obviously, people on this forum could greatly benefit from the former but the latter is purely irrelevant.

If you want to put down a school for no reason (once again, not referring to anyone in particular-just in general), then I don't see how this could benefit anyone reading this thread and would be better suited in a bar while you are having a few drinks with your friends.

 

[deleted127837]

This is entirely too rational. Take it down a notch bear

Sorry. Uhm... AAAAARGH MCAT GPA GRUMBLE GRAR. I DISLIKE THINGS BECAUSE REASONS.

I disagree. I believe that there is a distinction between someone with constructive criticism and someone who is putting down a school (not implying that this was happening). Obviously, people on this forum could greatly benefit from the former but the latter is purely irrelevant.

If you want to put down a school for no reason (once again, not referring to anyone in particular-just in general), then I don't see how this could benefit anyone reading this thread and would be better suited in a bar while you are having a few drinks with your friends.

To a point, but more information is better than less. People develop opinions for a reason - rumors and stereotypes are often wrong, but sometimes exist for a reason. People sharing their opinion freely may place the impetus on the listener to determine what is quality information and what is inferiority-complex-bartalk, but I don't think any of it should be discouraged. Criticizing one person's opinion criticizes all similar opinions, even though many of them may have solid reasoning.

There are plenty of good and bad things about every school, including Columbia (Bard Hall? Let's be serious), and I'd rather hear everything than have people hold their opinions back for fear of criticism. The whole idea that people in school-specific discussions should be constantly projecting positive views of the school in question, and avoiding negative discussion, kindof defeats the purpose of making an informed decision.

 

[Sophocles]

Sorry. Uhm... AAAAARGH MCAT GPA GRUMBLE GRAR. I DISLIKE THINGS BECAUSE REASONS.




To a point, but more information is better than less. People develop opinions for a reason - rumors and stereotypes are often wrong, but sometimes exist for a reason. People sharing their opinion freely may place the impetus on the listener to determine what is quality information and what is inferiority-complex-bartalk, but I don't think any of it should be discouraged. Criticizing one person's opinion criticizes all similar opinions, even though many of them may have solid reasoning.

There are plenty of good and bad things about every school, including Columbia (Bard Hall? Let's be serious), and I'd rather hear everything than have people hold their opinions back for fear of criticism. The whole idea that people in school-specific discussions should be constantly projecting positive views of the school in question, and avoiding negative discussion, kindof defeats the purpose of making an informed decision.

I'll just respectfully agree to disagree...

Bard Hall-hahaha that's hilarious. I haven't met one person that has said anything good about the place, but in all fairness most schools that I interviewed at had crappy dorm rooms (Harvard, Cornell, etc.). Perhaps the nicest dorms that I saw were the ones at Einstein and there are other schools like Ohio State where people have to live in nearby apartment complexes because there are no student dorms. One thing I will say is that the towers were actually nice. There are ways for first years to get into the towers, but yeah it seems that Bard Hall is the worst part of Columbia-the students on the tour stated that there have been at least three generations of physicians that have lived in Bard Hall, which needless to say speaks for itself, and there was also a rumor that after anatomy the students would go to the pool at the bottom of Bard to get rid of the smell from the cadavers...... I don't know what to make of that.