I find it's really hard to choose between these two programs. Do you have any advice or information regarding these two programs?
Pros Columbia:
1. may have better reputation/fame!?
2. quantitative ability may be crucial to find a job
Pro NYU:
1. most courses are taught by adjunct professors, many of who have been working in the Street for quite along time, which makes this program looks very practical.
program website:http://qmss.columbia.edu/
http://econ.as.nyu.edu/page/ma
NYU Econ dept. directory
http://econ.as.nyu.edu/object/econ.directory