Brown versus Columbia: What are your thoughts?

Kinda scared but also excited to apply to Ivy League schools next year. I particularly like Brown and Columbia, but I'm having a hard time choosing between the two. Could you share your experiences or thoughts on both schools?

Both Brown University and Columbia University have their unique strengths, atmospheres, and curriculums which make each institution distinct. It's great that you're thinking about these schools - they're prestigious and represent valuable opportunities. Here's a quick rundown of the key differences:

1. The Curriculum: Brown is known for its Open Curriculum that allows students a great deal of freedom in crafting their course of study. This approach can be a good fit if you have a wide range of interests. Columbia, on the other hand, has a Core Curriculum with prescribed courses in subjects like Literature, Science, Social Analysis, Arts, and Foreign language. This pedagogy is designed to give all students a broad, rigorous education grounded in the traditional liberal arts.

2. Location: Columbia is in the heart of New York City, a global metropolis, providing easy access to a plethora of social, cultural, and professional opportunities. Brown is located in Providence, Rhode Island, which offers a quintessential New England college town experience.

3. Campus Life: Brown tends to have a more relaxed and less competitive atmosphere compared to Columbia. The smaller student body allows for a more intimate setting. Columbia, meanwhile, has a more intense academic atmosphere, possibly due to its urban setting and the presence of more graduate schools.

4. Opportunities: As you consider these schools, think about your intended major and career aspirations. Columbia, due to its location, has strong connections with various industries for internship and job opportunities. Brown's flexible curriculum might be better suited for someone who isn't quite sure what they want to study or wants to explore multiple academic areas.

5. Financial aid: Both schools offer need-based aid, and both are committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need for all accepted students. However, the details of their financial aid packages might differ, so it would be beneficial to check each university's policy.

6. Size: Brown is smaller, with an undergraduate population around 7,000, whereas Columbia has a slightly larger student body with around 9,000 undergraduate students.

In summary, neither school is inherently "better" than the other - it entirely depends on what fits your needs, preferences, and future plans better. Research the programs related to your prospective major at each school, consider visiting if you get the opportunity, and reach out to current students or alumni to get a sense of what life at each university is really like.

Do remember that you could also always apply to both, and give yourself more time to make a final decision, unless you were planning on applying Early Decision. And regardless of which one you end up choosing, if you want tips on how to make your application as strong as possible, I'd check out the following blog posts from CollegeVine, which break down how to tackle their respective school-specific supplemental essays:

- Brown: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-brown-university-and-plme-essays

- Columbia: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-columbia-university-essays/

At highly selective schools like Brown and Columbia, the essays can be just the thing that distinguishes one talented applicant from another.

Your ultimate choice should be the institution where you feel you can most thrive academically and personally. Reflect carefully on which school that is, but also take a breath, and rest assured that both schools are among the best in the country, so you'll receive a phenomenal education no matter which you choose. Good luck!