Hello! I'm trying to get a feel for how intense Columbia University is. Can anyone fill me in on what the most challenging subjects there are? Or is it all pretty much tough? Thanks in advance for any help!
Absolutely, Columbia University is known for offering rigorous academic programs, and the difficulty can vary somewhat depending on the major. However, some programs that have a reputation for being particularly challenging include their engineering and science majors in the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, which entail heavy workloads and complex material.
In the humanities, the Core Curriculum, which all students at Columbia College are required to take, can also be fairly challenging due to the breadth and depth of material it covers. The Core includes Literature Humanities (Lit Hum), Contemporary Civilization (CC), Art Hum, Music Hum, and a few other classes. These core curriculum courses have a reputation for being intense because they expose students to broad areas of study and integrate reading, writing, and discussion heavily into the curriculum.
On the other hand, the degree of difficulty can differ greatly depending on your personal strengths and interests. For example, students who love reading and writing might thrive in Core Curriculum courses, while those more inclined towards scientific inquiry might do well in their science and engineering programs.
The demanding nature of courses at Columbia University is not only part of the institution's appeal but a testament to its commitment to intellectual rigor. Yet, students also report that the sense of community and available resources help them navigate these challenges. The key lies in finding the right balance between academic rigor and personal well-being.
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