Columbia c/o 2020 applicants (2016-2017) Forum

[MrJD2020]

Hi, y'all. Typing this from the Columbia Admissions Office (came in to visit on my own) after having been shown the door by Financial Aid.

Admitted, but almost certainly going to withdraw. The atmosphere from the administration has been pretty negative. The students I've talked to don't seem particularly enthusiastic about being here, either.

Best of luck for those of you hoping to be admitted, though. Just doesn't seem right for me.

What do you mean, "shown the door"?

Where else are you considering? Keep in mind that admissions and financial aid are not one and the same (officially, anyway) and you're never going to talk to them again after the early summer, no matter how nice or not-nice they seem. You could just as easily get star treatment up front, only to find out as a student that other administrative offices you actually use as a student are no good.

Basically told my application isn't complete yet (even though I sent them all my info a week ago), they can't guarantee they'll have a decision on financial aid by my scholly deadline at NYU, and that there's nothing else to discuss.

From the other students I've asked this level of service seems pretty common.

Sorry to hear that. I don't think that one week is that long, though I understand your frustration seeing how close we are to enrollment deadlines. Just don't make a snap decision about your career and life based on this interaction. Try asking NYU for a short extension on the scholarship deadline, like a week or even just a few days, and if they grant it, let CLS know that. Try calling CLS early next week to see if there's been any movement.

Just curious, did you not go to the two-day admitted student days for a particular reason? Have you thought of going to the one-day program on the 24th? They may just not have been in "selling" mode when you visited. Remember that financial aid =/= admissions =/= professors. As for students, they're probably in the thick of finals prep. Apart from students on panels at official admissions events, I wouldn't expect any students to be that cheery.

That being said, if you're super happy with NYU already and they've given you a bunch of money, go for it.

[seeprybyrun]

Sorry to hear that. I don't think that one week is that long, though I understand your frustration seeing how close we are to enrollment deadlines. Just don't make a snap decision about your career and life based on this interaction. Try asking NYU for a short extension on the scholarship deadline, like a week or even just a few days, and if they grant it, let CLS know that. Try calling CLS early next week to see if there's been any movement.

Just curious, did you not go to the two-day admitted student days for a particular reason? Have you thought of going to the one-day program on the 24th? They may just not have been in "selling" mode when you visited. Remember that financial aid =/= admissions =/= professors. As for students, they're probably in the thick of finals prep. Apart from students on panels at official admissions events, I wouldn't expect any students to be that cheery.

That being said, if you're super happy with NYU already and they've given you a bunch of money, go for it.

I appreciate your concern for my welfare, but don't worry, CLS wasn't my number-one choice anyway.

As for your points: I'm visiting today because I have a deadline for my NYU scholly that's the same day as CLS's last "Mondays at Columbia" visitation event (I was admitted to Columbia after all the other visitation days had already passed). NYU has already given me one deadline extension and won't budge any further. And the students I talked to were 3Ls with jobs already; their primary concern seemed to be getting tickets for graduation. When they heard that I had a scholly at NYU, they were basically "why the hell are you here?" And, as I mentioned before, the vibe I got from financial aid appears to be the default for the CLS administration based on what the students I've talked to have said. Evidence is pointing heavily in the direction of "no."

On the plus side, someone brought in a puppy while I was sitting here. That was nice. (I took a picture, but they asked me not to share it on social media, so I'll respect that.)

[VA2lawschool]

Hi, y'all. Typing this from the Columbia Admissions Office (came in to visit on my own) after having been shown the door by Financial Aid.

Admitted, but almost certainly going to withdraw. The atmosphere from the administration has been pretty negative. The students I've talked to don't seem particularly enthusiastic about being here, either.

Best of luck for those of you hoping to be admitted, though. Just doesn't seem right for me.

What do you mean, "shown the door"?

Where else are you considering? Keep in mind that admissions and financial aid are not one and the same (officially, anyway) and you're never going to talk to them again after the early summer, no matter how nice or not-nice they seem. You could just as easily get star treatment up front, only to find out as a student that other administrative offices you actually use as a student are no good.

Basically told my application isn't complete yet (even though I sent them all my info a week ago), they can't guarantee they'll have a decision on financial aid by my scholly deadline at NYU, and that there's nothing else to discuss.

From the other students I've asked this level of service seems pretty common.

Sorry to hear that. I don't think that one week is that long, though I understand your frustration seeing how close we are to enrollment deadlines. Just don't make a snap decision about your career and life based on this interaction. Try asking NYU for a short extension on the scholarship deadline, like a week or even just a few days, and if they grant it, let CLS know that. Try calling CLS early next week to see if there's been any movement.

Just curious, did you not go to the two-day admitted student days for a particular reason? Have you thought of going to the one-day program on the 24th? They may just not have been in "selling" mode when you visited. Remember that financial aid =/= admissions =/= professors. As for students, they're probably in the thick of finals prep. Apart from students on panels at official admissions events, I wouldn't expect any students to be that cheery.

That being said, if you're super happy with NYU already and they've given you a bunch of money, go for it.

Completely agree with everything seeprybyrun said, and it's pretty much why I withdrew. Impossible bureaucracy throughout the entire school (administration + finaid + clerkship office + career services) and they really seem to rest on the idea that people want to go there enough (and then once they are there, seem to rest on the laurels of being Columbia) that they don't need to try. Also, pretty much every CLS student I talked to said that there aren't meaningful differences between CLS and NYU (or other T13 schools for that matter), so it was easy to use how I felt talking to current students and admissions officers as substantial enough reasoning not to go.

Edit: went to Admitted Students Program at the end of March for CLS and NYU

[Thelaw23]

Hi, y'all. Typing this from the Columbia Admissions Office (came in to visit on my own) after having been shown the door by Financial Aid.

Admitted, but almost certainly going to withdraw. The atmosphere from the administration has been pretty negative. The students I've talked to don't seem particularly enthusiastic about being here, either.

Best of luck for those of you hoping to be admitted, though. Just doesn't seem right for me.

What do you mean, "shown the door"?

Where else are you considering? Keep in mind that admissions and financial aid are not one and the same (officially, anyway) and you're never going to talk to them again after the early summer, no matter how nice or not-nice they seem. You could just as easily get star treatment up front, only to find out as a student that other administrative offices you actually use as a student are no good.

Basically told my application isn't complete yet (even though I sent them all my info a week ago), they can't guarantee they'll have a decision on financial aid by my scholly deadline at NYU, and that there's nothing else to discuss.

From the other students I've asked this level of service seems pretty common.

Sorry to hear that. I don't think that one week is that long, though I understand your frustration seeing how close we are to enrollment deadlines. Just don't make a snap decision about your career and life based on this interaction. Try asking NYU for a short extension on the scholarship deadline, like a week or even just a few days, and if they grant it, let CLS know that. Try calling CLS early next week to see if there's been any movement.

Just curious, did you not go to the two-day admitted student days for a particular reason? Have you thought of going to the one-day program on the 24th? They may just not have been in "selling" mode when you visited. Remember that financial aid =/= admissions =/= professors. As for students, they're probably in the thick of finals prep. Apart from students on panels at official admissions events, I wouldn't expect any students to be that cheery.

That being said, if you're super happy with NYU already and they've given you a bunch of money, go for it.

Just let him go to NYU lol, I agree with the things he said and the administration has dropped the ball numerous amounts of time but it hasn't been a game changer for me. I also can't agree about students being miserable part, I met a bunch of students outside of the ASW events and panels and they seemed really happy with their choice.

It all comes down to Columbia being lazy and just used to their prestige and spot in their rankings. While other schools hustle to get students in and their prestige up CLS doesn't seem to do the same. I loved the ASW, though. But yeah, having your e-mails unanswered, taking so long to get back with financial reward letters, and some other stuff is irritating.

[MrJD2020]

Hi, y'all. Typing this from the Columbia Admissions Office (came in to visit on my own) after having been shown the door by Financial Aid.

Admitted, but almost certainly going to withdraw. The atmosphere from the administration has been pretty negative. The students I've talked to don't seem particularly enthusiastic about being here, either.

Best of luck for those of you hoping to be admitted, though. Just doesn't seem right for me.

What do you mean, "shown the door"?

Where else are you considering? Keep in mind that admissions and financial aid are not one and the same (officially, anyway) and you're never going to talk to them again after the early summer, no matter how nice or not-nice they seem. You could just as easily get star treatment up front, only to find out as a student that other administrative offices you actually use as a student are no good.

Basically told my application isn't complete yet (even though I sent them all my info a week ago), they can't guarantee they'll have a decision on financial aid by my scholly deadline at NYU, and that there's nothing else to discuss.

From the other students I've asked this level of service seems pretty common.

Sorry to hear that. I don't think that one week is that long, though I understand your frustration seeing how close we are to enrollment deadlines. Just don't make a snap decision about your career and life based on this interaction. Try asking NYU for a short extension on the scholarship deadline, like a week or even just a few days, and if they grant it, let CLS know that. Try calling CLS early next week to see if there's been any movement.

Just curious, did you not go to the two-day admitted student days for a particular reason? Have you thought of going to the one-day program on the 24th? They may just not have been in "selling" mode when you visited. Remember that financial aid =/= admissions =/= professors. As for students, they're probably in the thick of finals prep. Apart from students on panels at official admissions events, I wouldn't expect any students to be that cheery.

That being said, if you're super happy with NYU already and they've given you a bunch of money, go for it.

Completely agree with everything seeprybyrun said, and it's pretty much why I withdrew. Impossible bureaucracy throughout the entire school (administration + finaid + clerkship office + career services) and they really seem to rest on the idea that people want to go there enough (and then once they are there, seem to rest on the laurels of being Columbia) that they don't need to try. Also, pretty much every CLS student I talked to said that there aren't meaningful differences between CLS and NYU (or other T13 schools for that matter), so it was easy to use how I felt talking to current students and admissions officers as substantial enough reasoning not to go.

Edit: went to Admitted Students Program at the end of March for CLS and NYU

Fair points. I suppose it's a good thing that we don't all want the same thing, though it's too bad things happened that left a sour taste in your mouth. Columbia was my #1 realistic choice, with Harvard as my mega-reach, so I'm biased in their favor and probably always will be. I'm going to NYU ASD though, just so I know I've considered both. Will try not to let them sway me too much, though I'll say I've gotten WAY more cheery/nice emails from various NYU folk. NYU's message is "We want YOU", whereas Columbia's message is "we know YOU want US". Which is true...

[SybillAnnDorsett]

*off topic, petty post alert*
Lmao, I'm glad NYU treats its admits far better than it does the applicants who paid hundreds of dollars just to apply and hear nothing for 7 months!

[eck456]

*off topic, petty post alert*
Lmao, I'm glad NYU treats its admits far better than it does the applicants who paid hundreds of dollars just to apply and hear nothing for 7 months!

what do you mean heard nothing? they sent us all (including rejects) a very nice incorrect admissions email with Class of 2020 at the top! jeez, ungrateful

[Keilz]

*off topic, petty post alert*

*has been ghosted by both for 7 months with absolutely no word except a standardized email from NYU three months ago*

[sittykitty]

Hello Columbia I know there was a lot of rage up there but I am not angry at you so please accept me!!

[SybillAnnDorsett]

*off topic, petty post alert*

*has been ghosted by both for 7 months with absolutely no word except a standardized email from NYU three months ago*

are many people in your shoes with CLS ghosting practices? It just seems that the ghosting is more widepsread over at NYU, like you might be an outlier among CLS's applicant pool whereas NYU has fucking hundreds of us waiting.

[SybillAnnDorsett]

*off topic, petty post alert*
Lmao, I'm glad NYU treats its admits far better than it does the applicants who paid hundreds of dollars just to apply and hear nothing for 7 months!

what do you mean heard nothing? they sent us all (including rejects) a very nice incorrect admissions email with Class of 2020 at the top! jeez, ungrateful

LMAO I loved this.

[MrJD2020]

Just let him go to NYU lol, I agree with the things he said and the administration has dropped the ball numerous amounts of time but it hasn't been a game changer for me. I also can't agree about students being miserable part, I met a bunch of students outside of the ASW events and panels and they seemed really happy with their choice.

It all comes down to Columbia being lazy and just used to their prestige and spot in their rankings. While other schools hustle to get students in and their prestige up CLS doesn't seem to do the same. I loved the ASW, though. But yeah, having your e-mails unanswered, taking so long to get back with financial reward letters, and some other stuff is irritating.

Lol. I guess I can't make everyone love it.

I think you know my background well enough to know that I am going to Columbia for the additional edge in V5 biglaw recruiting (firms will go deeper into the pool at CLS, grades-wise), for the B-school access if I want it (either cross-reg or joint degree), and very very much for the prestige.

I guess the CLS/NYU stereotypes are true!

[Leliana]

I've had nothing but positive experiences with CLS administration... they've been very prompt in their communications with me. Maybe I'm just lucky?

[eck456]

*off topic, petty post alert*
Lmao, I'm glad NYU treats its admits far better than it does the applicants who paid hundreds of dollars just to apply and hear nothing for 7 months!

what do you mean heard nothing? they sent us all (including rejects) a very nice incorrect admissions email with Class of 2020 at the top! jeez, ungrateful

LMAO I loved this.

I am still. so. mad. at. this. like i can't get over how rude that was and how their apology sucked SO HARD. "i'm sorry if my fuck up confused you." at least cls hasn't sent me TWO FALSE ACCEPTANCE IN TWO YEARS. #justsaying (sorry, am committing to take back my bitching to the nyu thread where it belongs.)

[seeprybyrun]

*off topic, petty post alert*
Lmao, I'm glad NYU treats its admits far better than it does the applicants who paid hundreds of dollars just to apply and hear nothing for 7 months!

what do you mean heard nothing? they sent us all (including rejects) a very nice incorrect admissions email with Class of 2020 at the top! jeez, ungrateful

LMAO I loved this.

I am still. so. mad. at. this. like i can't get over how rude that was and how their apology sucked SO HARD. "i'm sorry if my fuck up confused you." at least cls hasn't sent me TWO FALSE ACCEPTANCE IN TWO YEARS. #justsaying (sorry, am committing to take back my bitching to the nyu thread where it belongs.)

Ouch. That's rough

[SybillAnnDorsett]

I've had nothing but positive experiences with CLS administration... they've been very prompt in their communications with me. Maybe I'm just lucky?

now this also has been the case for me, and I am on the Reserve list. both prior to and after their placing me on the waitlist, I've had pleasant interactions with members of the adcom whom I was able to meet and speak with even in spite of the front desk lady. (I think my sole issue with Columbia is that girl manning the front desk, I sweater god she's a h8r)

[Keilz]

*off topic, petty post alert*

*has been ghosted by both for 7 months with absolutely no word except a standardized email from NYU three months ago*

are many people in your shoes with CLS ghosting practices? It just seems that the ghosting is more widepsread over at NYU, like you might be an outlier among CLS's applicant pool whereas NYU has fucking hundreds of us waiting.

Yup, i feel like it's definitely an outlier. that's why I'm not complaining too much

pls luv me CLS

[Thelaw23]

I've had nothing but positive experiences with CLS administration... they've been very prompt in their communications with me. Maybe I'm just lucky?

I'm beginning to feel like they just want me to withdraw now that they saw how much beer I consumed at the open bar on admitted student day.

[VapidP]

I've had nothing but positive experiences with CLS administration... they've been very prompt in their communications with me. Maybe I'm just lucky?

I'm beginning to feel like they just want me to withdraw now that they saw how much beer I consumed at the open bar on admitted student day.

As someone who interacted with the entire Columbia administration a lot, this is definitely a surprise to me. I loved loved loved my time at CU, but hot dam that administration is not the easiest to work with.

That being said, I don't think the administration won't have that much of an effect on your time there. As an undergrad, you didn't interact with them that much unless you were a part of a club (which I was). I can definitely see financial aid being difficult to work with however.

[sittykitty]

In case anyone other than me was wondering -- they're sticking with the May 1 deposit deadline for hold applicants for now. Oy vey.

[Catsinspace]

In case anyone other than me was wondering -- they're sticking with the May 1 deposit deadline for hold applicants for now. Oy vey.

Wait what does this mean?

[sittykitty]

In case anyone other than me was wondering -- they're sticking with the May 1 deposit deadline for hold applicants for now. Oy vey.

Wait what does this mean?

If you're admitted off hold, you're still expected to deposit by May 1. At least, that's their plan for now -- but the lady on the phone indicated that if that changes they'd notify the admitted applicants.

[mtf612]

In case anyone other than me was wondering -- they're sticking with the May 1 deposit deadline for hold applicants for now. Oy vey.

How did you find this out?

[sittykitty]

In case anyone other than me was wondering -- they're sticking with the May 1 deposit deadline for hold applicants for now. Oy vey.

How did you find this out?

I called and asked

[Pozzo]

Declined my offer today, hoping one of you lovelies gets the spot!