Yeah, about the trains...
I was reading that first post when E'01 said make a right and I was like NOOOO...you're gonna end up at the east river!
But yeah, E'01 is totally right, the Lex stop on the E sucks complete ass--there is one single file that forms which leads to a really long esclator that everyone goes up because every new yorker is too lazy to climb 100 stairs!! If, however, you aren't lugging all of your suitcases and whatnot, you could easily take the stairs and circumvent the line...
Don't be afraid of NYC mass transit, it is completely and utterly navigable once you devote a few minutes to learning the system.
Here's the subway map in .PDF:
NYC Transit Map
The E train is one of the blue lines, and then the Lexington Ave. line (the only east side train) is in Green. From the stop on the E train remember that its a bit of a walk within the station to navigate your way to the 6 tracks--don't worry just follow the masses and they'll lead you to the lexington trains.
In case you get onto a lexington train at 86th street or 59th street, remember to get onto the 6 and not a 4,5 which are the express trains and will not stop at the E's lexington avenue stop.
Hopefully I didn't confuse you more! Just wait 'till your Columbia interview--they'll send you a little NYC subway map card, which I thought was really cool. Good luck in the best city in the world!
Oh and remember, you can check your email while waiting for your Sinai interviews--and they have little snacks too like bagels and coffee!
