Not for everyone

Introduction
To take advantage of all that Columbia (and New York City) has to offer, you need to be sure that you're mature and independent enough to tackle the work load and city atmosphere. The city can be a huge distraction, so students must be able to focus on school work while the greatest city in the world buzzes around them.

Campus Life and Social Life
The social life is not going to be the typical college experience that everyone knows from movies. The fraternity scene is small, but it exists. More importantly though, NYC is just out your door, so anything you can dream up can be found if you just know where to look. During the week, you'll have to venture off campus to find a party; most people will be studying. But come Thursday, Friday, and Saturday there's usually something going on. Advertisement
Academics
Columbia's academics are top-notch. It has fantastic departments for just about all disciplines. The professors are great, and there usually aren't too many problems with TAs. As for workload, it is what you make of it. There is certainly enough reading that if you worked 100% of your free time, you'd still have unfinished business. But, that's part of college... time management.

Student Body
There is no typical student at Columbia. The diversity of school covers the gamut. However, they are all extremely bright in their own ways. You will be able to find your niche no matter what you like. Poetry, sports, reading, writing, film, art, and politics... the list goes on.

In Closing...
Columbia is not for everybody. Think long and hard about the effects that the city might have on you. When I walked onto campus for the first time I could just feel that it was a perfect match. Know that the city can be overwhelming, especially when you come to visit for a day or two and even more so if you've never been to New York. But it doesn't take long to get the hang of the city and the layout. It's really quite manageable if you just take deep breaths. You're parents might be freaked out by the thought of you "in Harlem", but there's really nothing to worry about. There are certain precautions to take, but you'll know what you should and should not do. If you get accepted to Columbia, I suggest you take it... it's a once in a lifetime opportunity that shouldn't be passed up.