The Nerd

Hello! I too was choosing between Rutgers and Columbia. I loved both programs, particularly Rutger's VAWC certificate. But ultimately, after interacting with the staff at both schools, looking at the financial aid package Columbia offered me, and doing more research on their programs, I chose Columbia. My opinion is if it's only $16,000 more, choose Columbia if you like the program more. $16,000 is not a lot of money over the course of 10 years, the price is worth going to the school you like better (if you do like Columbia's program more.) Especially if you do the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, which I have been doing for about a year, it's worth it. People invest in lots of things, and lots of those things aren't guarantees. The way I see it, a degree is the only investment you make that will always stay the same. You can always say "I went to Columbia" after this investment, no one can take your degree away from you. If you are willing to invest in a home or a business or whatever, which people do all the time, investing in yourself and your education is worth it. Of course, if both programs offered are the same for you, and neither is better for your career path/preferences but instead their programs seem equal, choose the one that costs less because Rutgers is also a great school. But if you are leaning towards Columbia but are hesitant because of the price, my advice is it's worth it.

I apologize if this seems like an annoying question; I know they are both great programs and I am grateful to have the option of going to either. I know neither is a "bad choice" but I still am uncertain how to choose. I need to make a decision by March 4th and I am between these two schools. I really love both programs and am having a hard time choosing. Does anyone have any advice/opinions on these two programs? I have visited Columbia and am visiting UChicago this week, I am hoping that will help me decide but I am nervous that it will only make me like them both and not know how to choose! So far, I like Columbia because I like their AGPP and Clinical programs (not sure which I would choose), their option of the dual law degree (but I still need to apply/take the LSAT), and their Contemporary Social Issues option (I want to study Intimate Partner Violence.) I like Chicago because they have a Violence Prevention Program and they are considered more academically rigorous. I've heard Chicago is more attentive to their students but I am sad they don't have a law option and can't guarantee admission to the Violence Prevention Program until your second year. Most of my family lives in NY and I'd like to be near them, but personally I prefer Chicago, but I don't want to choose a program based on location since I should choose based on its program. Help! Anyone going through this? Or anyone who attends one of these schools that can provide some insight? Please and thank you!

Thanks all! Very helpful advice, really. Now I just need to figure out the best way to be a full-time student while paying bills/other expenses. Blech

If you are worried, a lot of schools accept GRE scores to supplement "low" GPAs, but usually GPAs that are under 3.0 so you should be ok! I was accepted with a 3.32 so I think you will be fine!

Hello, I am looking for some advice about how to make a good decision! I've been lucky and accepted into some great schools, but now I am having a lot of trouble figuring out how to choose and it is STRESSING me out. I tried to break down my priorities but it is still really difficult. Do I just choose the most inexpensive school post scholarship offers? The school with the best certificate/concentration program for my interests? Or the one that will open the most "doors" so I have flexibility in my future and career? How is everyone else prioritizing??? Also, any advice for how people finance their education?!?! And any insight/advice that people have in terms of these schools' Master of Social Work program would be very appreciated: Columbia University University of Chicago Rutgers University Case Western Thanks!!!